Relaunched Clubhouse and facilities now part of a wider residential development

 Stonham Barns Park – one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations – has sponsored Stonham Aspal Football Club picking up again on a long-term corporate relationship that has been in place over the past 10 years.  The leisure destination has provided almost £2,000 for the supply of a new kit to see the team through their first season back on their original home ground at Stonham Aspal.

The Club has undergone a period of redevelopment during the project to build the Homestead residential estate was completed by Orbit Homes. Now with a brand-new clubhouse, bar and football nets, the team is looking to improve community integration and support for the club and the new football ground.  SAFC has already had a successful welcome day to introduce the residents of Stonham Aspal to the new facilities.

The first showing of the new kit took place at SAFC’s new home facility on 4 October when the team played Capal Plough.  Very much in mind on the day was the former lynchpin of the club, Secretary and Treasurer, Eric Cousins who passed away in 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic.

Eric was loved and revered by everyone at the club and known by members as ‘Mr Stonham Aspal Football Club’.

Speaking about the kit sponsorship, current Club Chairman John Hearn said: ‘We are delighted to be returning to the pitch with new kit sponsored by top Suffolk leisure venue Stonham Barns Park.’

‘The relationship has been strong and ensuring throughout our development as the owner of the venue has gone above and beyond to keep us kitted out; at one point with multiple teams at play. When the team was first put together players had to bring their own kit.  How things have changed!’

‘We are back and focused on delivering some top-quality football on our home turf but with new facilities and a new community focus at Cousin’s Clubhouse.’

‘With the support of businesses like Stonham Barns Park, we intend to start strong and grow stronger over the months and years ahead.’

Added Alan Forward, Owner, Stonham Barns Park: ‘As we all know this is such a special club where great memories are made.  We have enjoyed supporting the team since 2013 and are very happy to be back now for the new season at the new and improved football facility.  It’s all about football, families and – now to a much larger extent than ever before – the community who are already making the most of the new facilities; and we are so pleased to come back with a kit boost for the team.’

‘Stonham Aspal Football Club is back on home territory, and we are expecting to see the Club go on to do hugely well as the players return to continue the legacy of former members of the Club.’

‘It’s going to be an exciting year for everyone involved.’

The Club – formed in 1960 – plays in the Suffolk and Ipswich League’s Division (please add).

The Suffolk and Ipswich Football League has a total of 6 divisions and is a feeder league to the Thurlow Nunn Football League.  Over the years the club has experienced the highs and lows of promotion and relegation highlighting in the move to Senior Status in Season 1990/91 by finishing runners up in Division One. They have reached the finals of five County Cup Competitions, twice losing Senior Cup finals at Portman Road, and winning one Junior Cup Final at Portman Road in 2007.

Stonham Barns Park is a bustling family complex offering accommodation, attractions and activities based in the heart of Suffolk, UK. Activities at the leisure, retail and holiday venue include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Café 24, The Golf Centre including Adventure Golf and FootGolf, The Teapot Pottery, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and glamping, Legends Sports Bar and fishing lakes.

For more information about Stonham Barns Park please contact 01449 711901 or visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk