Football future secured at Bideford AFC

Bideford AFC has announced a 25-year lease at The Sports Ground, Bideford. Bideford AFC Community Holdings Limited (BAFCCH) has signed a long-term deal with a brand new lease on The Sports Ground, currently sponsored by Persimmon Homes.

The new agreement with Torridge District Council will run for 25 years. It will allow the company to apply for future funding on any improvements and/or equipment.

The new company will be run by representatives of all the sections under the Bideford AFC umbrella, including Men’s, Women, Youth and Supporters.

The club is now able to control the maintenance of the pitch, changing rooms, stands and accessibility, along with the usage (for their teams), plus making the facility available to the local community.

BAFCCH Director Tristan Bannister said: “We would like to thank Torridge District Council for their cooperation in making this happen and we are all excited to be part of this historic new venture for the associated members of the club, who will all benefit from being in control of The Sports Ground.”

To celebrate this historic event, many of the club's young players and their coaches, along with representatives and supporters of the adult sections, met on the first day of the new lease (Thursday, February 20, 2025) and created a large 25 in the centre circle.

Chair of Torridge District Council, Doug Bushby was also in attendance to officially hand over the facility. He said: “A great day for Bideford football with the Robins taking on a much longer lease of the sports ground. This means much better opportunities to access funding, which I am sure will really benefit the club. Thanks go to Torridge District Council for working with the club to enable this new chapter in the club's history to begin. I wish them every success.”

A membership scheme will be announced in due course, however in the meantime, anyone who would be interested in joining the new working committee, who will look after the day to day running of the facility, is invited to make contact by emailing bidefordafccommunityholdings@gmail.com or leaving their details at the club office.

Also, details for the local community to book the facility will be released soon.

BAFCCH would also like to express their thanks to Greg Cloke at Brewer Harding & Rowe Solicitors, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring the new lease was produced and agreed with TDC. Also Ed Meardon at RT Marke & Co Accountants, who assisted and advised on the creation of the new company.

On the pitch, Bideford were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Thatcham Town on the weekend, Mattie Buchan’s goal cancelled out by a late leveller from the visitors.