Thanet District Council gains Home Advantage for Isle’s footballers

Thanet District Council and Ramsgate Football Club are working together to unlock Football Foundation investment to improve the football pitches and changing rooms at Garlinge Recreation Ground.

These changes will enhance the sporting experience for players, coaches, parents and supporters, and are part of the Football Foundation’s Home Advantage Programme.

The investment means more footballers of all ages in Thanet will have access to better facilities, improving their enjoyment and encouraging them to remain in the game. 

As part of the Home Advantage Programme, Ramsgate Football Club intends to take a 25-year lease on the pitches and pavilion at Garlinge Recreation Ground. However when not used for football, Garlinge Rec can be enjoyed by members of the public and dog walkers as normal. 

Ramsgate Football Club has been using the pitches at Garlinge Recreation Ground for five years, with more than 120 footballers playing there every week. As part of the Home Advantage Programme, Ramsgate Football Club will have access to guidance and support from the Football Foundation and The FA. Additional funding, outside the Home Advantage Programme, may become available to help Ramsgate Football Club to further improve facilities at the site in the future.  

Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services at Thanet District Council, said: “Poor playing pitches and changing room facilities are one of the main reasons that people stop taking part in sport. 

“By taking part in the Home Advantage Programme, the council is underlining its commitment to help all residents to thrive. The improvements planned at Garlinge Rec will make a huge difference to football players of all ages, encouraging more people to improve their health and wellbeing through team sports.

Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation, said: “Home grounds provide a space for people to come together through sport and help strengthen communities based on a shared sense of belonging.

“We know that local authorities often lack the resources to maintain their grass pitches to a high standard, and yet the process of transferring ownership is often seen as complicated, expensive and therefore unattractive.

“Through our Home Advantage Programme, the Foundation plans to provide the support and funding needed to transfer over 1,750 grass football pitches like the ones at Garlinge Recreation Ground from local authorities to grassroots clubs and organisations, across the country.”

James Lawson, Chairman of Ramsgate Football Club, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Thanet District Council and the Football Foundation to breathe new life into Garlinge Recreation Ground. Ramsgate Football Club runs 70 teams and supports over 900 players each week, so access to high-quality community facilities is vital for us. 

“I grew up on Westfield Road, backing onto these fields, and spent most evenings kicking a ball around here — so helping bring them back to life is extra special for me personally. This project isn’t just about football, it’s about creating a positive, welcoming space for players, parents, officials and the local community.”

More information on the Home Advantage Programme and eligibility criteria is available on the Football Foundation website: https://footballfoundation.org.uk/grant/home-advantage-programme 

Image credit: Ramsgate Football Club