The pavilion was unveiled on Saturday 10th September 2011 by Clare Head, Mayor of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, while Chief Football Correspondent for The Times Patrick Barclay was also in attendance.
The state-of-the-art Pavilion will be home to Kew Park Rangers Football Club, who hold the prestigious FA Charter Standard Community Club Status. The club currently provides training opportunities for approximately 600 members aged from 4-year-olds up to adults, and has 26 teams competing in local leagues.
This project will enable the club to sustain membership as well as facilitating year-on-year growth, with a particular focus on increasing participation amongst women and girls, and disabled people.
Patrick Barclay, who recently became the club's first patron, said: “It is fantastic to come here and see so many people, of so many ages, enjoying the facility. Grassroots football really is the soul of football and nothing beats the smell of mud on a Saturday morning. It doesn’t matter if none of them turn out to be the next Beckham!
He continued: “Professional football and glamorous celebrities are only worthwhile and justified if it puts something back and the money trickles down to the grassroots. The Football Foundation receives substantial contribution from the Premier League, The FA and the Government, and I hope this continues into the future.”
The project cost a total of £1,038,638 and was funded with the help of a £629,300 grant from the Football Foundation and £350,000 from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Parks Improvement Programme.
Funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the Government via Sport England, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity.
The Surrey County FA worked with Kew Park Rangers and the London Borough of Richmond to develop the facility by providing advice and guidance on the process required, and for all projects in Surrey they ensure that each applicant maximises the development of football in their community.
Caroline McRoyall, Surrey County FA Development Manager added: “In 2008 the Surrey County FA committed to supporting the facility needs of Charter Standard Community clubs and this is a fantastic example of a facility that will support a club already developing football to a high standard in Richmond.”
Stuart Lamb, FA Regional Facilities and Investment Manager (South East), believes the new pavilion will benefit both those inside and outside Kew Park Rangers Football Club.
“The development of facilities at North Sheen Recreation Ground will provide enormous benefits to both Kew Park Rangers and the wider community," Stuart said. "The club and the London Borough of Richmond deserve a great deal of credit for their efforts throughout all stages of the project. I would also like to acknowledge the support provided by Surrey CFA.”
For further information please contact Caroline McRoyall, County Development Manager, on 07917 392823 or by email caroline.mcroyall@surreyfa.com