Skip to content

Scarborough Athletic to use pitch in Bridlington

James Fletcher
BBC News, Yorkshire
BBC The main stand of the Scarborough Sports Village from pitch side - as well as a small dip in the six yard box of the football pitch where the damage is taken affectBBC
The pitch at the Sports Village requires underground repairs

A football club that cannot play at its ground after damage was discovered underneath the pitch will play home games at another club's stadium for the upcoming season.

Scarborough Athletic has been seeking a new home after a site survey uncovered serious structural issues with the pitch at the town's Sports Village.

Following fears about the future of the next season, an agreement has been approved for the team to play at Bridlington Town's ground 17 miles away (27km).

The club confirmed Scarborough Athletic would not be charged for use of the stadium and Scarborough chairman Trevor Bull said he was "talking to several parties about making bus and train services available" for fans.

Mr Bull said the club was working on a financial plan in case they needed to play the full season at their temporary home.

He said the club would face a "shortfall" from missing out on matchday revenue streams including food and drink sales, hospitality packages, shop sales and an expected drop in attendance.

Mr Bull praised supporters for being "resilient" during the situation.

North Yorkshire Council has said the pitch at Scarborough Sports Village could cost more than £3m to repair.

An overhead shot of Bridlington Town's football stadium from behind the main stand
The Mounting Systems Stadium is home to Bridlington Town

The club's artificial 3G pitch was due to be replaced after the final home game of the season on 21 April, in time for the start of the new season in August.

The ground is owned by the council and in April, Jo Ireland, the authority's assistant director for culture, leisure and libraries, said: "The works required before the pitch can be resurfaced are considerably more extensive and complex."

A football pitch with patches where parts have torn or created holes.
The club's pitch at the Scarborough Sports Village has been temporarily repaired over the past few months

There is no confirmed scheduled date for repair work to start but a club spokesperson said they were in constant talks with the council with the aim of getting work under way.

At Bridlington Town, the ground will require extra work to ensure it is "step two compliant" in accordance with FA Guidelines for stadium regulations.

Mr Bull confirmed a plan was in place and improvements were expected to be complete by the end of July.

Scarborough Athletic Chairman Trevor Bull speaking to Georgey Spanswick on BBC Radio York.
More on this story
Related internet links