Final improvements have been made at Kimberley Miners Welfare Recreation Ground, also known as ‘The Stag Ground’, as the club celebrated its 100th birthday at the end of August.

Works carried out at the ground over the summer included upgraded floodlights, improved drainage under the pitch, creating a more durable playing surface and improved experience for players, and new pitch barriers, which allow the club to bring in extra revenue from advertising.

The most recent improvements were funded 70 per cent by the Premier League Stadium Fund, with 30 per cent match funding from the Kimberley Means Business Fund.

These complete a year of transformation at Kimberley Miners Welfare Recreation Ground, following the construction of a new pavilion with changing rooms, a bar space, and function room, which was completed earlier this year.

Representatives from Kimberley Miners’ Welfare Football Club, Kimberley Town Council, and Broxtowe Borough Council including Broxtowe Councillors Chris Carr, Andy Cooper, Milan Radulovic, and the Mayor, Barbara Carr.

placeholder image — Representatives from Kimberley Miners’ Welfare Football Club, Kimberley Town Council, and Broxtowe Borough Council including Broxtowe Councillors Chris Carr, Andy Cooper, Milan Radulovic, and the Mayor, Barbara Carr.

The occasion was marked during Kimberley’s first weekend home game of the season against the world’s first football club – Sheffield FC – on August 29.

Coun Milan Radulovic (Brox All), Broxtowe Council leader and portfolio holder for economic development and asset management, said: “The transformation at the ground over the past year has been remarkable.

"The new pavilion and improvements to infrastructure have made the experiencecinfinitely better for players, the fans, and local community and I’m positive that these benefits will be felt for years to come.

“Kimberley Miners Welfare FC is an integral part of the community in the town, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to them, and the trust, so significantly.”

Ribbon cutting with Councillor Neil Doherty (Kimberley Town Council), Neil Johnson (life president of Kimberley Miners Welfare Football Club) and Steve Hobster (vice chair)

Coun Nick Dewsbury, Mayor of Kimberley, added: "It's wonderful to see the official opening of these fantastic new facilities.

"Kimberley Miners Welfare is a vital part of our town's heritage and community and these improvements will help secure its future for generations to come.

“The support provided through the Kimberley Means Business initiative has been instrumental in making this project a reality, creating a modern facility that will benefit not only the football club but the wider community as well.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.

"This is a proud day for Kimberley and I am delighted to see The Stag Ground continuing to play such an important role in bringing our community together."