Toolstation NCEL Division One
Selby Town chairman Ralph Pearse
Ralph Pearse believes a 3g pitch would help turn Selby Town into the “hub of the community”.
This is a personal view of Mr Pearse’s, comments which come two months after he openly admitted in October that he had concerns that Selby would not reach their 100th anniversary in 2019.
But after being boosted by the arrival of former player Christian Fox’s All Star Football Academy, Mr Pearse can foresee a bright future for Selby.
“The costs of installing one are high, but it is something we should work towards long-term because I believe 3g pitches can turn Non League clubs into sustainable clubs,” Mr Pearse told Non League Yorkshire.
“Previously I have never been a fan of 3g pitches for matches, but then I read about Maidstone and their 3g pitch.
“They bring in revenue to keep clubs going because people are using every day of the week.
“The further bonus is that unless there was heavy snow, you would never have a game called off.
“I want Selby Town to be the hub of the community, that’s my vision. I had my doubts that the club would reach 100 years because it is getting harder financially every year, but now I think we will.
“The All Star Football Academy has come on board and now its about getting the community on board. I want to see Selby Town cater for everyone – for all ages from the young to the old.
“I want to see christenings, 18th birthdays, 21st birthdays, weddings, etc.
“We have a nice clubhouse and I want to see it open during the week so elderly people who live on their own can come up and make friends. There’s endless opportunities for this club to play a big role in the community.”
Selby visit Dronfield Town tomorrow.