Many years ago i lived in Athersley and just wondered what standard Rec's ground is like these days. Back then it was just the pitch and teams got changed in the old sports centre. I take it does have floodlights but does it also have a seated stand and decent club house and changing facilities. Obviously certain criteria must be met in order for clubs to climb the football pyramid.
It's a nice set up to be fair. Nothing to do with shaw lane though, they're just there at the minute because they can't settle anywhere else as a lot of people won't have anything to do with them.
That’s simply not true. It was the best place they could find to play in Barnsley that was suitable for their level. It’s already a good set-up but has more possibility to be expanded than Shaw Lane. They’re paying Athersley for it and also will have to improve the ground if they get promoted further up the pyramid, so it’s a win-win for all. It’s a bit like when AFC Wimbledon moved in to Kingsmeadow
it's a great little set up which is improving after shaw lane (the cuckoos not the ducks) started the groundshare. they have brought lots of facilities from SL that has to be implemented due to the level they now play at. things like proper turnstiles for both home and away fans to aid with segregation. theyre at the minute in the process of bringing a covered seated stand from SL which will be behind the goal. prior to the ground share Rec already had a covered seated stand behind the 'home' goal. aswell as 2 covered terraces (all new pre fab modern ones) on one touchline. Its obviously fully floodlit. another proviso of SLs league is both H&A carparking. the away one now exists. the club house is currently 3 connected portacabins. Recs planning permission for a two tiered permanent structure has twice been knocked back. Its an ongoing process. SL have also had to improve the exising medical room, provide a press facility. theres a separate portacabin for the officials and fa reps etc. also increased advertising have been erected due to the duel extent of money sponsors had alead stumped up. theres 'plans' a foot for improved changing aswell I think. all in all it was always a good setup for the level and is getting better all the time.
Rec has plenty of volunteers at the ground on a daily basis constantly working on improving the facilities. We took a few of the lads from our school end of last term to help out with painting the fence behind the goal.
They've pretty much taken over from what I heard, Hasn't Pete Goodlad who built up Athersley Rec resigned?
I believe they required a ground that adhered to the requirements of being in the division they are now in.