There’s £100,000 up for grabs this season, with six non-League clubs battling it out for their share in the Buildbase Club Renovation Programme.
Two winning clubs, who have played in either the Buildbase FA Trophy or FA Vase this term, will each walk away with a £50,000 product bursary for club improvements.
But first, they must pitch their plans for what the money will be spent on to a Dragon’s Den-style panel of judges at Wembley Stadium.
The six finalists, selected by Buildbase and the FA from 57 applicants, will head to Wembley on Thursday 29 March and go head-to-head for a 50-50 share of the £100k.
They are Cheadle Town, Dunkirk and Leicester Road from the Vase and Lincoln United , Ashford United and Needham Market from the Trophy.
For the application process, each of the clubs outlined their proposed renovation plans if successful in the competition which include clubhouse extensions, pitch improvements, creating facilities for disabled people and installing new fencing.
Local Buildbase branches across England will be supporting the clubs with information, advice and supplying the building, electrical and hire products required for their projects, following on from last year’s winners, Hanwell Town and Cleethorpes Town.
“This is the second year we have extended our sponsorship of the Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase competitions to help local clubs make a real difference to the weekly experience for teams, supporters and the communities using their facilities,” said Paul Roche, managing director of Buildbase.
“Having seen the achievements of last year’s renovation programme winners, we know this is making a real contribution to the future of these clubs and their local communities.”
Mark Bullingham, FA commercial director, added: “Every season, the FA Trophy and FA Vase demonstrate the very best of non-League football.
“We are delighted that our valued partners Buildbase are once again offering these significant bursaries to help participating clubs improve their facilities.
“We look forward to welcoming the six shortlisted sides to Wembley Stadium and to ultimately awarding two grants which will undoubtedly make a real difference to clubs and communities alike.”
The Buildbase Club Renovation Programme has provided £100,000 of building, electrical and hire products available for two clubs in 2017 – Hanwell Town FC and Cleethorpes Town FC – and a further £100,000 for two additional clubs this year.
