Top clubs like Chelsea or Arsenal may have the very best In training facilities, but that doesn’t mean lower or non-league clubs should be left with poorly invested and aging facilities. Here is why better facilities can have a remarkable effect on your club when you sit in the non-league arena.
Attract better football players
Attracting talent is about more than a good pay package, especially for non-league clubs who pay similarly low part-time wages. A bigger sway for potential goal scorers will be the quality of your facilities. If a player feels that they have the opportunity to improve their football skills and fitness this will attract them to a team.
Football Kits
This is not necessarily a facility, but if you are going to direct money anywhere, this is a good place. Be sure you have new Football Kits every season and take a look at kitking football kits to see what they have to offer. When your players feel like they are being looked after, even in terms of the quality of their kit, they will play better and will stay with your team longer.
Encourage local support
Every non-league club would be happy if more people came to watch. Not only does it mean more money for the club, but it creates a better atmosphere and intimidates your opponents, Good viewing and seating facilities will certainly encourage more supporters, who would rather have the option to sit in a covered stand in case it rains. Sponsorship is incredibly important for any football team, but non-league teams in particular and most of this will come from businesses local to the area.
Impress visiting clubs
Better facilities, particularly a well-maintained and drained pitch and clean changing rooms, will go a long way toward impressing visiting clubs.
What can we do to improve facilities on a low budget?
If funds are low at your non-league club, don’t worry; there are always ways you can improve your facilities. No one is expecting a hydrotherapy bath and a legacy museum here, but a well-drained ground and an all-weather astro pitch can be hugely beneficial. Another area you can always make improvements is in your changing facilities, perhaps by adding a lick of paint, better privacy or more security. Even if you don’t have much in the budget, you probably have players or committee members in the building trade; make a working party of it. The best way to improve the seating and viewing facilities is by securing sponsorship. Find a local company to sponsor (http://www.thefa.com/my-football/football-volunteers/whatsyourpitch/sponsorship/sponsors) a stand and allow them to have their name over the roof of the terrace.
As you can see, modern facilities at non-league clubs can be advantageous for a number of reasons and can be achieved even with low funds.
