Rushall Olympic still searching for new ground
11 Mar 10 12:17 Filed in: Sport | Sport-Walsall
Pics still searching for new ground
The YamYam 11 Mar 10
Having outgrown their Daw End ground, Rushall Olympic football club are no closer to finding a new home after a two-year search and plans for expansion remain on hold. The Pics moved to the Dales Lane ground in 1977, having previously played home matches at the Aston University Sports Ground on the Birmingham Road.
In addition to the five teams run by the club, the facility is also used by Continental Star FC, Walsall Astronomical Society and the Royal Sutton Canoe Club. Because of limestone caves beneath the site, Dales Lane cannot be extended and plans to introduce teams for youngsters, women and people with disabilities mean that extra facilities are needed. The club approached the council for help, but has been disappointed by the response.
Club chairman, John Allen, said: “It’s been going on for years now. Walsall Council has said a lot of things, but in the end, it has done nothing to help us. We wanted to move into the old Manor Farm school, but it seems that’s now gone to someone else.
“We’re a good community club and a couple of hundred people, at least, make use of our facilities. We’ve been to so many meetings but nothing ever happens. It`s a real shame, but unfortunately, until the council decides to help us out, there’s not a lot we can do.”
Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Adrian Andrew, said: “During the last two years, Walsall Council has discussed various options with club and we’re willing to support them in their search for better facilities. There has been some discussion about the club sharing training facilities with another local football club.”
The Pics are currently lying 9th in the Unibond League First Division South and attract an average home game attendance of 118.
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