Springfield Stadium Closing For Six Weeks

Springfield Stadium is closing for up to six weeks from mid-February - much to the surprise of the Jersey FA.

It's to make sure the ground is up to English FA standards ahead of the March 31 deadline.

It has left many sports clubs in the lurch. They were only told earlier this week.

JFA CEO David Kennedy says they were always told that when the work took place, sports programmes would be allowed to continue.

"Probably the disappointment that everyone is feeling just now is for the short notice that we've been given that we won't be able to use it whilst that work is going on.

I think if everyone was aware that there was going to be potential disruption earlier in the season, that would have been an opportunity for consultation with the users and ultimately put contingencies in place."

It is unclear what this now means for Jersey Bulls. The club has four home fixtures scheduled at Springfield Stadium during this period of closure.

Channel 103 has contacted the club for comment.

St Clement's Sports Club has expressed its disappointment to the news on social media.

Mr. Kennedy says it's a real blow for many sports clubs and players.

"It's also a blow to us as an Association. We're also having to stop a number of our programmes whether it be the after-school programme, the Centre of Excellence programme and walking football.

Whilst that also means that hundreds of footballers on our programmes won't be able to take place, also it's quite detrimental in terms of our income streams because we're going to take quite a financial hit that we weren't planning for.

On the back of a Covid-hit last couple of years, it's the last thing that we would have wanted."

The CEO has also told Channel 103 that he's confident that an alternative site can be found for its half-term programmes.

A government spokesperson says this will ultimately bring long-term benefits for everyone who plays football there.

"The fencing at Springfield needs to be changed to enable Jersey Bulls’ to move up to the English Football leagues and the work has to be complete by the end of March to meet the conditions of entry to the league.  At the same time we are making changes to improve the spectator experience for all users, and improving accessibility for people with mobility issues.  

While we would have preferred to keep sections of the pitches open throughout the work, the contractors have confirmed that with such a tight deadline, they need to have full access at all times.  We will therefore be closing the stadium for 6 weeks from 14 February to 31 March and are working to find alternative solutions for our existing bookings."