Fleetwood Town Football Club Land
UPDATED 17th July 2019
Steve Curwoord, Chief Executive of Fleetwood Town FC commented:
"The NPL Group have proven of outstanding assistance to Fleetwood Town Football Club, especially during the acquisition of the land title and the subsequent development of our state of the art training complex at Poolfoot Farm.
Their support, and in particular that of Group Executive Chairman, Robert McFarlane, in obtaining and developing the land was pivotal in enabling us to create an incredible community complex which now hosts more than 400,000 participants a year.
Since then we are proud to maintain a close relationship with Robert and his team who continue to offer advice and support in a number of areas as well as future projects we are already working on."
ORIGINAL ARTICLE 6th June 2019
In February 2014 Robert McFarlane, Executive Chairman of NPL Group donated thirty acres of land to the local community. This land sits at the heart of a brand-new football academy. This legacy project is accessible to all and will bring huge benefits to generations of local young people.
Steve Curwood, Cheif Executive of Fleetwood Town FC commented:
"We are all delighted planning permission as been granted. We hope the project will start within a matter of weeks. I would like to thank NPL Estates and, in particular, Chairman Robert McFarlane, who have been extremely generous in gifting the land to Fleetwood Town FC".
The new "state of the art" community sport's facility was opened on 20th April 2016 by Sir Alex Ferguson. The £8 million complex includes 12 grass pitches, two 4G pitches, a gym, meeting rooms and a restaurant, as well as seven changing rooms and office space. The facilities will not just be for the Fleetwood Town Football Club's first team and youth teams, but is also open to the public. This development allows for the continued growth of the club's charitable trust and will create much needed local jobs in the leisure sector.
THORNTON CLEVELEY'S FOOTBALL CLUB LAND
Robert McFarlane, Executive Chairman of NPL Group has sponsored Thornton Cleveley's Football Club's first and second teams' strip for the last twenty years. NPL has allowed the club the use of the land free of charge, in addition to constructing a clubhouse to facilitate the club members in the area.
Steve Abbot, Club Chairman of Thornton Cleveley's Football Club commented:
"I would like to thank NPL and, in particular, Chairman, Robert McFarlane for his continued support of Thornton Cleveley's Football Club. We really appreciate it and also the time and effort taken to put together this really generous sponsorship".
Plans have now been submitted for a residential development to build more than 120 homes on the current football land. The proposed development will be taken from Bourne Road at the point of access to the current club.
Chairman Robert McFarlane of NPL Group has facilitated the move of Thornton Football Club which will be attached to the new academy at Poolfoot Farm reciting the club next to Fleetwood Town Football Club which will bring all sports facilities under the one umbrella.
Club Chairman, Steve Abbott commented:
"Our senior 1st team are currently top of our premier league after a teriffic start to season. Hopefully there are exciting times on the horizon with the prospect of the move, with a new facility that will not only benefit ourselves but the whole community which is very important to us all, we pride ourselves on working with the community wherever possible. We want the new facility to be used seven days a week during the day and evenings for a multitude of uses and activities."