Thornton Cleveleys FC look to launch a new era after moving ground

Thornton Cleveleys FC left their home of more than 20 years at the weekend and are looking forward to an exciting future as neighbours of Fleetwood Town FC.
Thornton Cleveleys have left Bourne Park Picture: Tim Brice PhotographyThornton Cleveleys have left Bourne Park Picture: Tim Brice Photography
Thornton Cleveleys have left Bourne Park Picture: Tim Brice Photography

The West Lancashire League club’s Bourne Park ground on Bourne Road is to be redeveloped for housing and TCFC are to take ownership of a £1m complex on nearby Gamble Road, adjacent to Fleetwood’s Poolfoot Farm training base.

Besides a combination of full-sized and junior pitches, plans for the site include a multi-functional outdoor sports area and a modern clubhouse, complete with community rooms, fitness area, changing rooms, kitchen and bars.

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The club already runs 20 adult and junior teams, and plans to increase this number at its new home, while also serving as a focal point for community activities.

The owners of the Bourne Park site and the Football Foundation are funding the project.

Chairman Steve Abbott, who has been involved at the club for more than 30 years, told The Gazette: “The current site was always going to have houses on it eventually and it’s surprising that it has taken so long. It’s had a planning application for seven years, so it was always destined to happen.

“But because we’ve always known we could be moving there was no opportunity to invest in the current site, which hasn’t been kept up to the standard we would have liked.

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“The new complex fits in perfectly with our hopes and plans for the club. The area covers 11-14 acres and we own the freehold.”

First team manager John Beavers added: “Our stay at Bourne Park was supposed to be a short-term agreement, but we’ve been there 20 years and now have funding from the owners for ending our lease early.”

“We’re still waiting on tenders for the building work but the pitches will be ready for next season and our juniors play on the site already,” said John, who has spent 20 years at the club and has run the senior side since 2014.

As for getting on with the new neighbours, he added: “It’s completely separate to Poolfoot Farm but Fleetwood Town have been very helpful.

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“We have a good bond with them and have discussed how we can help each other.”

It leaves just one issue to be resolved.

“The biggest question is what we are going to call the ground,” said John.

“We’ve tended just to call the pitches Burn Naze, but we’d be looking for a sponsor who would take the naming rights and also bring in some revenue.”

Our colleague Stuart Bannerman has also put together a video about the club's move which can also be watched here.

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