New Future For Thame United? (Contributed)

CREATING A COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB FOR THAME – A NEW FUTURE FOR ONE OF OXFORDSHIRE?S OLDEST CLUBS
PLANS to create a high quality new home for football in Thame are being launched at the Town Hall on March 23 ? 24.
Developed by the recently formed Thame Football Partnership, the new strategy will bring together Thame United FC, Thames Boys and Girls FC and other footballing interests in the town to create a community football club on a single site in the town.
In creating the strategy, Thame Football Partnership is drawing on support from Sports Solutions, a leading national specialist in sports club development.
Work has begun in developing financial plans and identifying potential sites locally. 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.
The development plans will be on view in the Upper Chamber at Thame Town Hall from 2pm-8pm on March 23, and 10am-2pm on March 24. The plans include providing training and recreational facilities together with an artificial, all weather pitch which will maximise the playing time possible at the new ground.
This new centre will provide a much needed home ground for Thame United FC, one of Oxfordshire?s oldest football clubs, established over 100 years ago as well as a home and training facilities for the highly successful Thame Boys and Girls FC, which comprises over 350 children from under-7 level onwards.
Representatives of the Thame Football Partnership will be joined by Fraser Digby of Sports Solutions in manning the exhibition, and answering questions from local people.
Jake Collinge, chairman of Thame United FC, said: “We are determined to create this valuable new resource for Thame. The new facilities will bring pleasure to hundreds of children playing with the Thame Boys and Girls FC team. Providing a much-needed home for Thame United FC will secure over a century of football heritage for this town.”
Fraser Digby, Sports Solutions said:”Looking at this project from the vantage point of the many schemes that we are involved with across the UK, I believe that it is a sound plan, driven by a determined and recently appointed management board of the Thame Football Partnership.
“I believe that this is a solid, sustainable project that deserves strong local support. I look forward to discussing the approach being taken with local people at the Thame Town Hall exhibition.”
The exhibition will also give the opportunity for residents to view and comment on the draft plans from JG Land and Estates for the residential re-development of Windmill Road ? Thame United FC?s former home.