Mayor backs Borough's promotion bid

Tuesday 12th September 2006

After winning the British Energy Kent County Premier League last season, Lewisham Borough (Community) Football Club were thwarted in its application for promotion to the Kent League, writes Stephen McCartney.

The team proved its quality by winning a league it had been top of since early September, but unfortunately having no bar and no seating at the Ladywell Arena in south-east London prevented the club winning promotion. Faversham Town, who finished runners up, were accepted into the Kent League instead.

“Having been assured that plans were in place to develop the site at the same time the team were going for promotion, made it all the harder to accept when it came to light that these plans had never been approved,” said a club statement on their website.

“So instead of becoming the first club in the London Borough of Lewisham to gain Senior Status and have the opportunity to enter into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, we have had to accept we are going to be starting the 2006/2007 in the same division again. “As for last seasons runner's up, Faversham Town have leap-frogged over us and playing in the Kent League – a position that was rightfully ours!!”

Looking to the future however, the Mayor of Lewisham has given his backing for this not to happen again, and is working in partnership with Lewisham Borough (Community) Football Club to put things right.

Discussions are in progressive stages regarding the up-grading of the Ladywell Arena.

Lewisham Borough (Community) Football Club Executive and Kent Athletics' Club are working with Sports and Active Recreation, Local Government Departments and the Local Authority to up-grade the site from both a football, athletic and Borough point of view.

Costing has been presented to identify available funding of £200,000 and should this funding be found the facilities at Ladywell Arena shall be of a high standard.

The standard shall have such a great standing that local cup finals will be held there, Lewisham Borough (Community) Football Club youth team will be able to enter the prestigious FA Youth Cup and of course the senior side will be granted promotion if the team are successful.

The Kent Athletic Club will also be able to compete at a higher level by staging meets against the countries best up-and-coming athletes.

The club are currently in ninth place in the table, seven points behind leaders Holmesdale, who visit the Ladywell Arena on Saturday.

Visit the club website: www.web-teams.co.uk/lewishamboroughfc