"Shining example" Broadhurst Park is named best new non-league stadium 2015/16

We are delighted to announce that Broadhurst Park has been chosen by Groundtastic Football Grounds Magazine as the winner of their Best New Non-League Stadium award for 2015/16.

Announcing the award, Groundtastic said: “In an era when an increasing number of non-league clubs are opting to build identical off the shelf stadiums, with little or no attention paid to individuality, the award, which was incorporated in 2005, seeks to recognise innovation and distinctiveness in stadium design.

“Though other fan-owned club have made their mark in non-league football, FC United are the first of this new breed to build a stadium of their own. With almost half of the £6.5 million construction costs being raised by FC United’s members, Broadhurst Park is the most visible example of fan power yet witnessed in British football.???

Praising the standing space at the ground, Groundtasticsaid: “Broadhurst Park is notable for the amount of terracing on offer. Seating for 850 is available in the upper tier of the main stand, but in the paddock section and at the St Mary’s Road End there is an abundance of terracing, allowing standing spectators to mingle and interact in a way that seating does not allow. Impressive also at Broadhurst Park is the broad sweep of the main stand. Its tall glazed entrance sets the tone, and the railway sleeper effect of the wooden boarding makes reference to the railwaymen that formed Newton Heath, Manchester United’s forebears.???

The magazine concluded: “So successful is the venue that FC United have been forced to put a limit on the number of season tickets sold. The fact that Broadhurst Park exists, and exists in so fine a form, is testament to the single-mindedness and ethos of FC United and a shining example to all other supporter-owned clubs.???

Past winners of the Groundtastic Best New Non-League Stadium Award are Curzon Ashton (Tameside Stadium) 2005; Dartford (Princes Park) 2006; St Neots Town (Rowley Park) 2008; AFC Totton (Testwood Stadium) 2010/11; Corby Town (Steel Park) 2012/12; Loughborough University (Holywell Park) 2012/13 and Stamford (Zeeco Stadium) 2014/15.

Launched in 1995, Groundtastic is published quarterly as a full-colour glossy magazine entirely devoted to the world of football grounds. With a mixture of contemporary and archive material, the magazine encompasses grounds at all levels, from grass roots to international stadia.

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