‘Incredible’ Vet forks out £10,000 for football club’s disabled access scheme
MEMBERS of an amateur football club in Cheltenham have been left stunned by an “incredible” five-figure donation from one of its neighbours.
Alison Jones’s veterinary practice, Vets on the Park, is only a stone’s throw from Leckhampton Rovers’ new home ground at Burrow’s Field.
The site, off Moorend Grove in Leckhampton, is undergoing a £1 million revamp – with the club and the borough council working together to improve it.
Now the club has had an unexpected boost, in the form of a £10,000 donation so that disabled people can enjoy sport at the site.
Alison stumped up what the club described as an “incredible” donation after hearing it needed the money to make the refurbished pavilion accessible for people with physical disabilities.
The club plans to grow its involvement with disability sport in future and says the donation will help make that ambition become a reality.
Chairman Enzo Scognamiglio said: “Alison’s donation goes beyond generous and certainly came as a huge surprise to all of us here at the club.
“She knew we’d all been working night and day to improve the club’s facilities, but this contribution is remarkable and will allow us to ensure everyone can enjoy sport at our club.
“We’re passionate about offering sport to everyone in the local community and this huge donation will allow us to do that.
“We want to thank Alison hugely for her most generous contribution.”
The club said Alison wanted to support Leckhampton residents, many of whom had helped her business get through the pandemic, and she saw the football club as an important part of the community.
Alison said: “I have supported local sport for a long time and was keen to give something back to the local community. They have supported me fantastically over the years, especially in the last 18 months.
“I know so many people who use the Burrow’s for sport and recreation and I was particularly pleased to be able to support disability provision at the site.”
The construction project, which has Football Foundation funding, will see the four pitches on the 15-acre site levelled and fitted with proper drainage, a new cricket pitch built and a refurbished pavilion, complete with modern changing rooms and function room, developed.
The redevelopment of the site will allow the club to provide outstanding facilities for its 600 young and older players.
Alison’s money will allow it to be able to more easily accommodate people with physical disabilities. Better disabled access, toilets and showers are planned.
Alison’s donation goes beyond generous and certainly came as a huge surprise to all of us here at the club
Enzo Scognamiglio