Scarborough Athletic face uncertainty over planned pitch upgrade
Scarborough Athletic’s ground will not be ready for the start of the National League North 2025-26 season, as North Yorkshire Council are unable to commit to a completion date of the current playing surface’s planned upgrade due to serious structural issues identified in a site survey.
North Yorkshire Council had confirmed last July that it would replace the existing pitch at the end of the 2024-25 season.
The lifespan of the playing surface meant it was originally scheduled for replacement in summer of 2027 but this was bought forward after extensive patching work, which had been due to start as soon as the current football season was completed.
But this work will now not happen in time for the 2025-26 season, leaving the club facing an uncertain future ahead of the National League North campaign, which is set to start in August.
A site survey has identified serious structural issues including a defective drainage system installed when the facility was first constructed.
The Boro statement, which was released on Wednesday night, said: “Following a communication received from North Yorkshire Council on Tuesday 15th April and an Emergency Board Meeting held this evening, the Scarborough Athletic FC Board of Directors must update our member owners, supporters, sponsors and stakeholders of an important emerging issue which could have a significant effect on our football club and community.
"As previously communicated, due to the condition of the current playing surface at the Scarborough Sports Village, North Yorkshire Council have been planning to replace the surface with an upgraded version at the end of the current season.
“The club have now been informed that the new playing surface will not be ready for the start of the 2025/26 football season in August as originally envisaged and at this time North Yorkshire Council are unable to commit to a completion date.
“We have immediately informed the National League of this situation and are engaging with them appropriately alongside other key partners.
“We recognise that this announcement will create uncertainty for everyone and, as a fan owned community football club, we must meet this challenge together in an open and transparent way.
“We are committed to working hard with all parties to minimise the impact of this news on our club and community and are committed to keeping all of our stakeholders updated as the situation develops.”
North Yorkshire Council assistant director for culture, leisure and libraries, Jo Ireland, said: “The 3G pitch at the Scarborough Sports Village was due to be resurfaced this summer.
“However, a site survey has identified serious structural issues including a defective drainage system installed when the facility was first constructed.
"The works required before the pitch can be resurfaced are therefore considerably more extensive and complex.
“Due to the complexity of the situation, the pitch will not be available for competitive fixtures for the start of next season, although non-competitive community use can continue for the time being.
“We fully appreciate the impact of this for Scarborough Athletic Football Club, Scarborough Ladies Football Club and the other teams that use the pitch. We are working closely with them, other facility users and stakeholders as we assess all available options.”