Everett Rovers takes 'major step' in quest for new 3G pitch

Everett Rovers Football Club in North Watford wants to replace one of its grass pitches, enabling it to be used all-year round and into the evening.

On Tuesday, the club received planning permission from Watford Borough Council for the creation of an artificial 3G pitch that is intended to be used for matches and training.

The club, based in Dodd Road, is now hoping to secure the funding it needs - around £850,000 - to make the project a reality, with a bid currently in with the Football Foundation. 

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Club treasurer Wayne Frost said: “This would be taking the club to the next level, guaranteeing football 12 months a year.

“During the winter, we currently have to play at separate venues and we have games called off due to the weather.”

The 3G pitch will also be floodlit, allowing the club to play up until 10pm on weekdays.

Mr Frost added: “This [planning permission] is a major step forward for us. We have around 30 teams including men’s, women’s and youth – this would also open the facility up to wider community groups.

“We have hundreds of members both within the club and in the community and we have had lots of support. We’re really excited and we are hoping to hear around October if we have got the funding.”

The club has also set up a Just Giving page to help with fundraising efforts and hopes to have the new pitch in place in 2023.

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Everett Rovers Football Club is based in North Watford. Credit: Google Maps

The plans received more than 300 comments of support in the council’s planning portal and the planning committee unanimously approved the proposal.

Leggatts ward Labour councillor Asif Khan said: - “I think this will bring great benefits to the whole of north Watford. The club plays a fantastic role within the community, it’s a very inclusive club. I think it is a good plan, very positive.”

Acknowledging some concerns raised about parking, he urged users to be “mindful” the club is based in a residential area.

The council also noted concerns about noise and light but said the level of the issues fell below the threshold of being deemed ‘unacceptable’.

Visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/everettroversfc3G to support the club.

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