The home of the highest ranked local non-league football club is being transformed.

Sherwood Colliery FC, whose meteoric rise up the football pyramid has taken it to the Pitching-In Northern Premier League East Division (step 4) in just 16 years, returned home for a competitive match for the first time in eight-months in December.

During the absence their Debdale Park home in Mansfield Woodhouse underwent major improvements, bringing it up to Grade 4 stadium accreditation standards — and creating a facility for the community for many years to come.

The club secured almost £80,000 funding to support the developments. Central to the transformation was around £58,000 in grants from the Football Foundation, which assisted the installation of a state-of-the-art 3G pitch and further upgrades.

These include new LED floodlights, hardstanding areas, dugouts, and fencing.

Chairman Mike Staton, owner of Staton Mortgage & Protection Specialists, said: “This funding is an incredible boost for Sherwood Colliery FC and the community it serves.

“The initial investment aiding the installation of floodlights, dugouts, and fencing ensures the facilities are not only practical, but also welcoming and safe for players and fans alike.”

Sherwood Colliery, based at Debdale Park since 2008, was formed from the remnants of the Manor 4th FC under-16 youth team that played at the venue from 2002.

As well as the successful first team, the club has multiple thriving boys and girls teams, a women’s team, and an all-inclusive ability counts team.

Club vice-chairman Gareth Bull added: “I am so pleased that this has come together. I am proud of the way that we have worked together with Debdale Park.

“This project has taken several years to come to fruition and the community will benefit for years to come.”

The funding will also support fan-centric additions, including turnstiles, toilets, extra seating, covered standing areas, and a dedicated fan zone to enhance the matchday experience for all. Construction work is expected to be completed by February.

The club said the upgrades would position Sherwood Colliery FC to be able to host higher-level competitions and provide a top-class venue for local football and community activities.

Club commercial manager Phil Kirkland, who has overseen the project, said: “The investment in the facilities, including an initial £18,000 contribution for essential infrastructure, demonstrates the incredible support and belief in Sherwood Colliery FC’s vision.

“These upgrades will provide a first-class environment for players, fans, and the community, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of Debdale Park.”

Previously the club helped to fund a new changing room block as Manor 4th in 2004. Following promotion to the Central Midlands League in 2012, it part funded the original floodlights, erected in 2016, and fully funded hard-standing around the ground, two sets of dugouts, pitch perimeter barriers, fencing and security lighting.

During the pandemic the club successfully helped the facility to achieve grant funding.

The Football Foundation, a partnership between the Premier League, The FA, and the Government, is the UK’s largest sports charity, dedicated to improving grassroots football facilities and increasing access to the game.