FOOTBALL, business and community all joined forces at Mill Farm this week ahead of the official launch of AFC Fylde’s new ground.

Manager Dave Challinor, Tom Hutton Director of Community Development and Commercial Manager Dave Riche met up at the multi million pound complex which will soon become one of the finest sporting facilities in the North West.

Dave Challinor said: “It’s fantastic that the vision that was sold to me by David (Haythornthwaite) and Dai (Davies) just over three years ago is finally just around the corner in terms of the new development. This was the major contributing factor in me coming to AFC Fylde back in November 2011 and you can’t help but be excited by the fact that we’re two weeks away from the diggers going in.

“The club has moved on remarkably both on and off the field in three years and I know this development will help to continue that progress. The infrastructure of the club has developed over this period as well and all the processes are in place to enable a smooth transition from a small village stadium into a multi-million pound arena fit for the Football League.

“The new stadium will not only undoubtedly allow us to become sustainable but also will attract players that have a desire to play and develop in state of the art facilities. Whether a fan, player, sponsor, guest or visitor, this is going to be a stadium that will blow your breath away.”

Tom Hutton said: “Mill Farm Sports Village is a flagship community development, which will transform the Borough of Fylde, providing unique opportunities for its residents. Having this facility on its doorstep, residents in Fylde will be provided with first class facilities which they will be able to access on a seven days a week basis. Given The Foundations current projects, and future projects planned once AFC Fylde are in Mill Farm, the opportunities are endless. “

Commercial Manager Dave Riche added: “We are looking to open up a number of new revenue streams with the top class facilities which will have at Mill Farm.

“The profile of the club is growing by the day as we expand out across the whole of the Fylde Cost and beyond. It is an exciting time and preparation is key to everything we are doing and want to achieve at the highest level.”

A launch event is planned for next month at Ribby Hall when a number of exciting new season ticket initiatives will be unveiled.

Packages and information on hospitality boxes, private hire and corporate dining facilities will all be available. Supporters will be able to select their seat in the new ground and link it up with one at our existing home until we move next year.

The Open Day will be held in the Woodland Suite at Ribby Hall on Sunday March 22nd between 11am and 3pm. Existing season ticket holders will get the first chance to sign up for their new seats at a private viewing from 10am until 11am.