Whites in running for £50k windfall!

The EVO-STIK League South's Whites are heading to Wembley next month to go head-to head with Southern League Ashford United and Isthmian League Needham Market after the trio reached the finals in the FA Trophy section of the 2018 Buildbase Club Renovation Programme.

Launched last season for clubs in England and Wales playing in the FA Trophy and FA Vase and won by Cleethorpes Town and Hanwell Town, Buildbase are set to donate another £50,000 in building and electrical products, in addition to hire equipment, to two more clubs who come out on top in Dragon's Den style presentations at the national stadium on Thursday 29 March.

United were among six shortlisted finalists after outlining their development plans to a panel of judges from Buildbase and the Football Association before thousands of fans and local people went online to back their application.

In a statement on their website thanking supporters, the Whites said: "We've been shortlisted and we're going to Wembley to make our pitch for £50k worth of building supplies. A massive thank you to all of you who voted for our Buildbase application for building materials towards a disabled stand and building a better community."

Cheadle Town, Dunkirk and Leicester Road are in the running for the FA Vase share of the £100,000 windfall for clubhouse extensions, pitch improvements, creating facilities for disabled people and installing new fencing. Like last season's winners, local Buildbase branches across England will be supporting the clubs with information, advice and supplying the building, electrical and hire products required for their projects.

Buildbase managing director Paul Roche said: “This is the second year we have extended our sponsorship of the Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase competitions to help local clubs make a real difference to the weekly experience for teams, supporters and the communities using their facilities.

“Having seen the achievements of last year’s renovation programme winners, we know this is making a real contribution to the future of these clubs and their local communities.”

FA commercial director Mark Bullingham said: “Every season, the FA Trophy and FA Vase demonstrate the very best of Non-League football. We are delighted that our valued partners Buildbase are once again offering these significant bursaries to help participating clubs improve their facilities."

He added: “We look forward to welcoming the six shortlisted sides to Wembley Stadium and to ultimately awarding two grants which will undoubtedly make a real difference to clubs and communities alike.”

This season's Non-League Finals Day will see both the FA Trophy and FA Vase decided at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 20 May. Tickets for the event, which include both games, are on sale now at just £25 for adults, £10 for concessions and £1 for U16s.

For more information, visit: www.thefa.com/news/2018/feb/20/six-clubs-play-off-for-100k-bursary-from-buildbase-club-renovation-programme-200218.

Images courtesy of thefa.com &@evostikleague/Twitter

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