GROUND AWARDS

The GT Ground Awards were inaugurated in 2005 to reward the innovation and originality of non-league clubs in the English pyramid who had bucked the trend of 'off the shelf' stands and stadiums.  Unfortunately, vigorous ground-grading requirements have seen some charismatic old stands and grounds disappear, only to be replaced by 'identikit' non-descript structures.  These Awards will serve as an annual recognition to those that have done something a little different!

2008 Winners

Best New Non-League Stand BUCKLAND ATHLETIC F.C. The Clive Holmes Memorial Stand at Homers Heath

The self-designed grandstand at Buckland is the very antithesis of the current generation of low-slung prefabricated structures.  Tall, proud and handsome, the stand takes full advantage of the grass banking into which it has been built, providing spectators with an excellent view of what is fast becoming one of the best non-league grounds in Devon.

Best New Non-League Ground ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. Rowley Park

Though undeniably modern in layout, Rowley Park is pleasing to the eye, and comes equipped with everything an ambitious Step Five club could possibly want.  The new stadium features a 300-seat stand, good-sized covered terraces at both ends and a spacious disabled enclosure. Attention to detail is also prominent with the club's light and dark blue colours reflected in the seats, railings and in the brickwork of retaining walls.  Along with ample club offices and function facilities, this ground was a worthy winner of the award.

The 2008 Presentations . . .

	Former Manchester United, Everton and Northern Ireland legend Norman Whiteside presents the Best New Stand Award to Billy Holmes and Ian Miller of Buckland Atheltic.
	GT co-editor Paul Claydon (centre) presents the Best New Ground Award to Dave Brown and Stuart Walters of St Neots Town.

2007 Winners

Best New Non-League Stand BEWDLEY TOWN F.C. The Grandstand at Ribbesford Meadows

With only a limited amount of space available, Bewdley have had to be innovative to erect a 200-seat stand at their picturesque Ribbesford Meadows venue.  The club used the steep incline on one side of the ground to incorporate the natural banking into the design of the stand.  Steel girders have been driven into the hillside to support a sturdy metal framework, that has then been tastefully clad in timber.  Painted dark brown and finished to a high standard, it is remarkable how effortlessly the stand, both handsome and unobtrusive at the same time, blends in with the majesty of the grounds' woodland setting.

Best New Non-League Ground - Due to the lack of suitable candidates, no award has been made this year in this category.

The 2007 Presentation . . .

GT Midlands correspondent Mick Blakeman visited Bewdley on Saturday 16th February 2008 to present the Best New Non-League Stand Award to Bewdley's manager Craig Payton.  The presentation took place in front of the stand before the game against Ledbury Town.

2006 Winners

Best New Non-League Ground DARTFORD F.C. Princes Park

In a season that has seen other notable grounds opened by Forest Green Rovers and Harlow Town, the prize for the Best New Ground goes to Dartford for their impressive new Princes Park venue.  The £6.5 million stadium has been built by Dartford Borough Council and boats a 4,100 capacity, a 'living roof' allowing water to be collected and re-used to water the pitch, solar panels, a fabulous clubhouse and a 5.5-metre high 'Oak Man' permanently overlooking the pitch from the Princes Road side terrace!  The driving force behind the council's effort to build a new stadium and bring Dartford back to the town after 14 years on the road is leader of the council, Cllr Jeremy Kite, sees the stadium as a way of rewarding local residents.  Let's hope other forward-thinking councils will follow their lead.  Dartford FC were presented with their award in January 2007.

Best New Non-League Stand WHITBY TOWN F.C. The West Stand

We are very pleased to announce that the winner in the 2006 Best New Stand category goes Whitby Town with their new West Stand.  Opened on 29th March 2006, the £370,000 structure seats 505, and is a worthy replacement for the former stand that had stood on this side of the Turnbull Ground.  The seating deck is well elevated, a high cantilever roof ensures that every seat has an unimpeded view, and a sheltered viewing platform has been provided for disabled spectators.    Clad in the club’s blue colours, the stand’s visual impact is further enhanced by a rooftop floodlight gantry, which as well as making the structure appear taller, also lights the stand up to stunning effect during night matches.  The club will be presented with a commemorative plaque and certificate on March 10th, 2007. The 2006 Presentations . . . GT co-editor Vince Taylor (2nd from left) hands over the Best Ground Award to representatives of Dartford FC and Dartford council. GT contributor David Bauckham presents the Best Stand Award to Andrew Spenceley, treasurer of Whitby Town FC.

2005 Winners

Best New Non-League Ground CURZON ASHTON F.C. The Tameside Stadium

The 2005 Presentations . . .

	Regular GT contributor, Tony Cunningham presented a commemorative plaque and framed certificate to Curzon Ashton at their home game on 2nd January 2006.
	Both GT editors, Vince Taylor & Paul Claydon, are pictured here presenting the Best Stand award to Derrick Brooks of Eastleigh F.C.  The presentation took place on Saturday 31st December 2005.