Page 8 - Deal Round Up August 2019

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Football’s coming home....................
to Marke Wood Recreation Ground, Deal!
That’s the announcement from Steve Bowers and Bob Chivington who after years of trying to
secure a permanent ground for their club are moving into the recreation ground. The pair who have
renamed their club Cinque Ports FC are delighted to be bringing the game back to the spot which
was once a centre point for grass roots fixtures in Deal.
They’ve been working with Dover District Council (DDC) who have agreed to reinstall goal posts and
mark out two full size pitches on the large open space. Now, they’re keen to attract new players to join
current members as they put together two adult teams ahead of the new season in September.
Mr Bowers said: “We’ve been in discussions with DDC about a permanent home for our club for
years and this is a continuation of that process. “They’ve encouraged us to play here because no
one was using it. We’re delighted with the opportunity and the incredible support from DDC, and
we hope to see a lot of new faces as well as old.”
Mr Chivington and Mr Bowers previously ran Deal Town Rangers Senior Football Club before it was
renamed Deal Sports FC. In addition to the pitch, they plan to adopt the adjacent pavilion to create
a club lounge for players which will also serve
refreshments to spectators.
The building already boasts both home and
away changing rooms, toilets, a kitchen and
tea room but general repairs and upgrade
work is required to bring it up to scratch. This
will be carried out in the coming weeks along
with the creation of a new referee’s shower
and stud wall to house the kitchen.
Mr Chivington and Mr Bowers are also applying
for a premises licence from noon until 8pm on
Saturdays to be able to offer players, spectators
and wider members of the community post-
game refreshments. This element they feel is
essential for team bonding. Steve Bowers (left) and Bob Chivington out-
Mr Chivington said: “Our aim is to attract the side the pavilion at Marke Wood
local community back here, to create a vibrant
place for people to come, and to see the space
used for what it’s actually designed for - recreational activities.”
The first training session was held on Wednesday, July 10 and a number of friendly games are
organised in July and August. Two teams will be selected; one to play in the Kent County League
and the other in the Canterbury and District League. The season will begin from August 31 with
regular Saturday afternoon fixtures.
The club continues to be supported by Jason Jenkinson of Jenkinson Estates.

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