Why 3G is critical to the future of Runcorn Linnets - and the stark reality of not reaching OUR £100,000 target

The club is issuing an important update on our 3G pitch project so fans are in no doubt how vital it is to Runcorn Linnets.

The hybrid pitch looks great when the season starts but is prpne to flood when bad weather sets in.

We have so far raised £14,000 of the £100,000 WE MUST CONTRIBUTE towards the £1 million project, which will be largely funded by the Football Foundation.

This project is CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF RUNCORN LINNETS. Without it, we will be left without a viable playing surface - and facing the prospect of having to find more than £30,000 to replace our pitch perimeter fencing, under new FA safety regulations.

The fundraising target is daunting and we have a long way to go but one we CAN achieve with the support of EVERYBODY at the club and in our COMMUNITY.

It's something we MUST ACHIEVE by the end of the season because the maintenance costs associated with our present surface are CRIPPLING.

The state of play and way ahead

The intention is to replace the hybrid pitch, which was installed inside APEC Taxis Stadium six years ago as part of a national pilot programme.

The surface has proved problematic.

Over time the pitch has compacted, leaving it liable to heavy flooding.

Durability issues have also meant that the club has had to scale back community use just to keep the it playable.

As a result, we have struggled to fund on-going maintenance costs.

These include a £28,000 annual summer renovation on top of the general weekly upkeep.

The Football Foundation has generously made up the shortfall thus far but now the pilot scheme has ended, it is unable to continue such support.

Club vice-chairman, treasurer and pitch maintenance manager Jeff Jago said: "The club simply does not have the funds to cover the cost of the hybrid renovation itself so next season we would be forced to play on a pitch without grass.

“That is a huge problem for the club and something we cannot allow to happen."

Football Foundation funding

The FF is willing to invest in the 3G alternative with a grant of about £900,000 which will cover the majority of the cost - if EVERYONE - ALL SECTIONS AT LINNETS - CAN FUND THE REST.

Jeff added: "The new 3G installation brings far more than just a reliable pitch.

"It includes new fencing and new floodlights. It also creates a new revenue stream for the club.

"Our junior section currently spends a large amount every season hiring local 3G pitches for their finals and matches.

"Having our own 3G on site will massively benefit the junior teams, the first team, and the whole club.

"It is a game-changer for everyone involved and would be a community asset."

New FA regulations require the concrete fence posts in the pitch perimeter to be removed by the end of this season.

Jeff explained: "There was a tragic accident involving the passing of a player, which was linked to concrete posts and the FA has made it clear they must come out.

"We have seen quotes of around £30,000 just for new fences – and that does not even include the cost of taking the old concrete posts out."

A new 3G installation is the perfect solution because it comes with modern fencing as part of the project.

"An asset for the whole club and community"

Jeff Jago stressed: "This is serious. The hybrid is at the end of its life, the flooding is getting worse every winter, the concrete posts have to go, and there is no funding left for another expensive renovation.

"The only realistic way forward is the new 3G pitch. It secures the playing surface, brings new fences and floodlights, generates income, and massively helps our junior section and the whole club.

"We have a great start with the £14,000 already raised, but we need everyone – supporters, local businesses, former players, the community – to get behind this.

What you can do to help

Donations and proceeds from club and community fundraising in support of the scheme can be paid directly into the club''s pitch account by bank transfer.

Account name: Runcorn Linnets FC Limited

Account number: 46893760

Sort code: 30-99-14

All contributions, big or small, are welcome. They will be greatly appreciated and recognised by the club once the scheme has been completed.

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