The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
New pitch helping club grow
FORFAR ATHLETIC is looking to grow football from its grass roots on the new Station Park all-weather surface.
The development of the 3G pitch has heralded a new era of community involvement for the Loons and at the recent annual meeting, chairman Alastair Donald said the aim was to continue to build on that.
The Loons turned in a £36,752 profit in the year to the end of May, from a turnover just short of £300,000. The figure is a welcome turnaround from the £18,000 deficit of 2011.
Wages and salaries were reduced by almost £30,000 to £227,000 and astute dealings by manager Dick Campbell saw the transfer fees figure stay at zero.
Speaking to shareholders, Mr Donald said he was hopeful of good backing as “we continue to grow the club from grass roots level upwards”.
He added: “These are exciting times at Forfar FC with the solid groundwork of previous chairman Neill Wilson having been continued and now visible in a fully functioning and much admitted community pitch considered as good as any to be found in Scotland.”
The chairman continued: “The board is ever mindful of its need to budget costs against income and never has this been far from the minds of all football boards than this year during all the upheaval within Scottish football.
“The installation of our new pitch should, in time, help us to stabilise income and improve financial return.
“Notwithstanding all the financial uncertainty this year, the board has plans to continue to develop the ground facilities, upgrade the hospitality facility, maximise its youth policy and engage with local groups and sports organisations.
“My first year as chairman has been an enjoyable experience and I am keen to see the club continue to develop,” added Mr Donald.
He encouraged shareholders and fans to increase their Station Park involvement, either financially or in hands-on support.
“The club has a large shareholder base and we are keen to bring such loyal support closer to the club and to improve dialogue.”
The Loons have also revealed that they are looking at improving the Station Park floodlighting system which is now under greater than ever loading as a result of the increased use of the new surface.
Quotes for an upgraded system are being sought and the club is hopeful of then being able to approach grant agencies for help.