Club secures future with 50-year lease at Arbour Park

We are thrilled to announce the agreement of a 50-year lease for Arbour Park Community Stadium.

20/04/24


Slough Town Football Club Secures Future with 50-Year Lease for Arbour Park Community Stadium

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the history of Slough Town Football Club as we have agreed a revised 50-year lease with Slough Borough Council securing our long-term home at Arbour Park Community Stadium. This lease represents a historic moment for our club and ensures that we remain an integral part of the Slough community for decades to come.

Arbour Park has been our home since August 2016, marking a vital turning point after 14 years of homelessness following our departure from Wexham Park Stadium in 2002. During this period, we entered ground-sharing arrangements at Windsor & Eton FC and Beaconsfield SYCOB. Now, with this revised lease running until May 2074, we can look forward with confidence and stability.

Ashley Smith, Co-Owner of Slough Town Football Club, expressed his excitement about this landmark agreement, stating: “This is a significant moment for the football club and the community. I am delighted we have not only secured the future for the football club but laid the foundations for Arbour Park Community Stadium to become a beacon for Slough and the surrounding areas.”

The benefits of this lease extend far beyond the club itself. Arbour Park is not just a football stadium; it is a hub for our entire community. From our thriving junior setup and ever-improving ladies team to our growing Academy, all will find a true home at Arbour Park. This facility will serve as a central meeting point for our teams and will continue to host activities with local charity partners and community groups.

Taking over the management of Arbour Park gives us more freedom to host our own events, expanding our reach and impact within Slough. This opportunity aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering community spirit through the beautiful game.

Under the ownership of the A23 Football Group, who assumed control of the club in the summer of 2023, and with Scott Davies at the helm as first-team manager, Slough Town Football Club has thrived in recent times. Competing in the National League South, we have seen remarkable success both on and off the pitch during the 2023/24 season. Our attendances have steadily risen, with an average of 1,076 fans supporting the Rebels since the turn of the year.

We are a diverse club with a ladies team, disability teams, walking football teams, and a comprehensive structure from U9 to U19 levels, all of which will now call Arbour Park their permanent home. We are proud to have participants representing our club ranging from ages 2 to 80+.

This lease signifies a new era for Slough Town Football Club. We are immensely grateful to Slough Borough Council for their unwavering support and vision. Together, we will continue to grow, inspire, and unite our community through the universal language of football.

The Heart of Our Community

Arbour Park is more than a stadium; it's a beacon of unity in Slough. Our club, founded in 1890, has always strived to be at the heart of local life, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents. The 50-year lease secures this legacy, ensuring that families, fans, and future generations will have a place to come together and share their passion for football.

The stadium will not only serve as a venue for our matches but as a centre for grassroots football development. Our commitment to youth development is unwavering, with structured programs that nurture talent and instil values of teamwork and dedication. This lease allows us to expand these efforts, providing a stable environment for young players to hone their skills and pursue their dreams.

Our ladies team has seen remarkable growth, showcasing the talent and dedication of female athletes in Slough. With Arbour Park as our home base, we aim to further elevate women's football and inspire the next generation of female players.

Additionally, our disability and walking football teams epitomise inclusivity, proving that football truly is a sport for all. Arbour Park will continue to be a welcoming space where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the beautiful game.

Economic Impact and Community Outreach

Beyond the pitch, Slough Town Football Club plays a vital role in the local economy and community development. Our matches draw fans from across Slough and beyond, supporting local businesses and generating excitement in the town. With Arbour Park under our management, we can host a wider range of events, from charity fundraisers to youth tournaments, further enriching our community.

Our partnership with local charities and community groups is a cornerstone of our ethos. From fundraising initiatives to outreach programs, we are committed to giving back to the community that has supported us for over a century. Arbour Park will serve as a platform for these endeavours, amplifying our impact and fostering meaningful connections.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this new chapter, we invite all members of the Slough community to join us in celebrating this historic occasion. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering football for the first time, Arbour Park is your home. Together, we will continue to write the story of Slough Town Football Club, united by our passion for the game and our dedication to our community.

Questions?

We plan to hold a fans forum at Arbour Park in the near future, where members of the board and first team management will be able to meet with supporters to address any questions and discuss future plans. Look out for further announcements in due course.

Video produced by George Beck with contributions from Alex Bruce, Lewis Gilpin and Freddie Gatrell.
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