Home   Whitstable   News   Article

Tankerton FC raising £20,000 for new Whitstable training ground

A popular town football club is hoping to raise £20,000 so it can move to a brand-new home.

Tankerton FC is based at Seaview Holiday Park in Whitstable, but is moving to a new training ground as its current site is due to be developed for more caravans.

Tankerton FC's pan-disability team met with local author Julie Wassmer and its new sponsors, broadcast streaming service Acorn TV, and Born Anxious. Picture: Tankerton FC
Tankerton FC's pan-disability team met with local author Julie Wassmer and its new sponsors, broadcast streaming service Acorn TV, and Born Anxious. Picture: Tankerton FC

The club - which has more than 300 players - currently has just one pitch at its new ground off Whitstable Road.

It is now hoping to raise £20,000 so it can create a further seven pitches to provide a new home for the whole club, which comprises 20 teams of boys, girls, men and women, including deaf players and people with disabilities.

It also hopes to enhance a nature reserve at the new site, to make it a community space local schools can visit for activities such as pond dipping.

Chair of trustees Tim Elgar said: "We’ve always known we have been on borrowed time at Seaview and acknowledge that as a business, especially in light of recent events, they would be looking to maximise the use of their site for income purposes.

"The holiday park provides employment for lots of people locally and brings in visitors to help sustain the local economy.

Tankerton FC chairman, Tim Elgar. Picture: Barry Duffield
Tankerton FC chairman, Tim Elgar. Picture: Barry Duffield

"The owners and the management of the site have been very good to us over the years and we are aware of their desire to add more caravans to their property and don’t want to be a hurdle or problem for them.

"But given what we have up there we want to stay on the site for as long as we are permitted and hope to work with Park Holidays so that it is a good outcome for all.

"We entirely understand the situation, and trust the owners will help us transition to the new site in whatever way they can.”

Tankerton FC's fundraiser has so far raised more than £5,700, but is still appealing for further donations to get closer to its £20,000 target.

Dozens of people have already backed the appeal, with significant sums donated by businesses including The Plough Whitstable, Herberts Cycle Shop and Toast Herne Bay.

Plans for the new Tankerton FC ground, on the bends between Whitstable and Herne Bay. Picture: Tankerton FC
Plans for the new Tankerton FC ground, on the bends between Whitstable and Herne Bay. Picture: Tankerton FC

One donor commented: "Tankerton FC has provided me with so many opportunities over the years and I hope with the development of the new ground it will continue to provide opportunities for future

generations and continue to sit at the heart of the local community."

Another said: "Football is more than just sport, it's about inclusion and community - Tankerton FC are a brilliant club and the players and coaches so deserve a great new ground."

Mr Elgar thanks everyone who has supported the initiative.

"We won’t give up and will keep going as we still have some brilliant rewards up for grabs for anyone who wants to help the club raise much needed funds," he added.

"From getting to sponsor a match ball, sponsor a tree, get their business’ name on a team’s shirts, have half a day’s bird watching in a hide, or even have pitch named after them."

The rewards are up for grabs in return for donations of various sizes.

To find out more and to donate, visit the crowdfunding page.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More