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Bringing Football in the Community back to Thame

A Community Football Facility for Thame comes one step closer

Plans to create a high quality new home for football in Thame have been given the green light following at a meeting of the South Oxfordshire District Council planning committee yesterday (4 June).

The committee gave its approval for the £3m-plus scheme, which will bring together Thame United FC, Thame Boys, Youth & Girls FC and other local footballing interests on a single 20-acre site at Church Farm, located on the northern-edge of the town.

The plans for the site include a flood-lit main pitch, training and recreational facilities, together with a third-generation artificial all weather pitch and clubhouse incorporating associated community facilities, all of which will maximise playing time at the new ground, whilst enhancing the range of community facilities available in Thame.

The Thame Football Partnership (TFP) has been leading the application and has worked for two and a half years to see the plans through to this stage. TFP communications director, Frank Thompson, welcomed the council's backing. He said: "We know there is still a long way to go until work can begin on the new site. However, the decision by South Oxfordshire District Council means we are one step closer to creating this valuable new resource for Thame.

"We have listened to the views of the local community and Thame Town Council and have incorporated these into our proposal which has been revised accordingly."

"The plans we now have will bring pleasure to hundreds of children playing with the Thame Boys, Youth & Girls FC team as well as providing a much-needed home for Thame United FC which will secure over a century of football heritage for this town."

Vital capital funding will be available for this project when planning permission is forthcoming for the residential redevelopment of Thame United FC's former ground at Windmill Road which, together with grant funding and donations, will enable the creation of this high quality community football club. The Thame Football Partnership has also worked with Sports Solutions GB, a national specialist in sports club development, to put in place an experienced management structure.

"Critical to the success of this project will be the way it is managed and run. Working with the experts at Sports Solutions GB we are now certain we will provide the highest level of corporate governance," continued Frank.

"We have developed a challenging but realistic Football Development Plan and a robust Business Development Plan to ensure the sustainability of the project for generations to come."

Issued by Brandon Hill Communications on behalf of the Thame Football Partnership

Media Contacts: Charli Palmer or Ruth Jones on 0117 9339 510 or