Football club’s future boosted by council backing

'It’s important that we support clubs so that they can go forward'

The future of football in Buckfastleigh has been given a boost.

Buckfastleigh Rangers have been granted a long lease on their ground at Duckspond, with the hope that it will unlock fresh funds to allow the club to grow.

Members of the Teignbridge Council executive committee voted unanimously to grant Buckfastleigh Rangers Social Club a 15-year lease on the ground.

Cllr David Palethorpe (Lib Dem, Ipplepen) said it would be celebrating its 125th birthday next year.

And, he added: “It’s important that we support clubs so that they can go forward and apply for funds from other organisations.”

The club had a protected tenancy with a 28-year lease from 1994 to 2022. It says  a further 15-year lease will allow it to continue its operations and secure funding to invest in its facilities.

Rangers moved to Duckspond Road in the late seventies, and the social club has been built, maintained and improved by members.

A report to the executive said: “A further lease of 15 years will allow the club to access funding from organisations such as the Football Foundation, giving it the opportunity to improve the playing surface as well as adapt the changing rooms to offer improved facilities suitable for junior football and the women’s game, allowing further engagement with the local community.”