Sidmouth Town AFC, founded in the late 19th century is a club steeped in history but it has never stood still, looking always to move with the times in every respect.
The social base of the club, with its loyal membership has facilitated the on and off field improvements in terms of players and the surroundings in which they are now able to perform, express and enjoy themselves in their chosen sport.
Manstone Lane, the Club’s home venue now provides covered seated and standing spectator capacity, additional hard-standing at the western end of the pitch and railings that provide safety and security for players, officials and spectators, together with mesh ball-stops behind each goal and an expansion of dressing room space, all complimented by the superb playing surface.
On August 14, the club will formally open the new facilities prior to their home South West Peninsula League fixture against Crediton United, providing an opportunity to recognise the efforts of the Football Association (Football Stadium Improvement Fund), The Sid Vale Association (Keith Owen Fund) and the Devon County Council (Investing in Devon Fund), who have all contributed to these improvement measures, enabling Sidmouth Town to meet the FA ‘Step 6’ standards required to host matches and participate in the South West Peninsula League.
In order to properly recognise and celebrate these achievements, the Club will be holding a formal opening ceremony at Manstone Lane starting at 1pm, when representatives from the funding organisations, together with the Park Trustees (Sidmouth Town Council) and joined by our Club Sponsors, will unveil commemorative plaques in recognition of the collective community-based effort in further realising the continuous improvement vision held by the Club over many years.
The club invites all Sidmouth Town supporters to come to the ground early, join in the celebration of this significant developmental landmark for the Club and later cheer the team on against worthy opposition.
They extend a welcome, one and all, to join the Club President, Chairman, Committee, Players, Guests and Members of Sidmouth Town AFC to take part in a truly momentous day in the history of the Club.