Newark and Sherwood District Council looks to Net Zero goals with support for Football Club

The John Benson Pavilion, which was built in 2008 has served the club well. However, with the recent increases in fuel costs and the focus on green issues, club members have been looking for ways to ensure their club’s survival into the future.

This scheme brought together funding from Edwinstowe Parish Council, the Football Foundation and Newark and Sherwood District Council to deliver a solution, following an application to the “Parish and Town Initiative Fund”. This fund supported local schemes that help make a greener district.

The solution was to install a Photo-Voltaic (PV) system with solar panels and battery storage. This means that the club has affordable power when it needs it.

“I am really keen to support local community sports clubs and facilities with any green activity,” explains Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, “Supporting an initiative like this, which gives the club greater financial security and helps us, as a district, to achieve our goal of being carbon neutral by 2035, is great news for our residents. The John Benson Pavilion also provides a really useful facility which other groups in the village can also use so this really is a fantastic use of the fund.”

“Technology, particularly around renewable energy, has moved on a great deal since the pavilion was built. Providing the Club with the means of becoming more self-sufficient with regards to electricity supply, is a massive boost for us. It means that in the future, the effect of volatility in the energy markets can be mitigated and will not threaten the survival of the club and community facility moving forward,” explains Club Stalwart Alan Streather.

The site, which is owned by Edwinstowe Parish Council is leased and used by all the Robin Hood Colts teams who range from under sevens through to men’s seniors.

“Football brings communities together and is a great way to get exercise. This initiative safeguards the future of this club which has been around since 1985. It’s a fantastic community asset for Edwinstowe and I have no doubt that John Benson, who was so central to getting the pavilion built originally would be very proud that the building continues to be used.” concludes Councillor Paul Peacock.

ENDS