Since opening in November 2010, the floodlit 3G pitch at BerkoAstro at Ashlyns School has been a resounding success. It is in regular use by Berkhamsted Raiders, local clubs and schools, the local community, a 6 a side soccer league, a Centre of Excellence for Disability Football, and Watford FC Player Development Centres for Dacorum and Bucks.
Over 1,500 children and adults use the facility every week during the season. But what is missing? Toilets.... hot and cold running water... cover for children and parents from the elements.... tea and coffee would be nice....an indoor space for classroom training, a small changing area … If we had these facilities to go with the pitch, we could offer so much more and enhance the experience of the people who already use the facility.
Planning permission has been granted to transform the old garage adjacent to the pitch into a new facility containing all of the above but this comes at a price of £155,000!
We are already well on the way to funding this. We have a generous £50,000 donation from a local businessman; we have a £5,000 contribution from Ashlyns Schools; two of the Raiders Dads swam the Channel and raised £5,000. We are very hopeful of grant support from the Football Foundation and the Dacorum Olympic Fund.
But it’s not quite enough. Now, YOU, the supporters of BerkoAstro can help it happen by buying through the Berkhamsted Raiders eStore.