By William O’ Toole
Work has begun on transforming Bray Wanderers into a community-run club after new temporary offices were delivered to the Carlisle Grounds on Thursday.
The structures were donated to the club by a prominent company in Wicklow and work has already commenced on getting them ready for use.
The units are interconnecting and can be used for a number of different facilities. The club is currently planning on using them for offices and meeting rooms.
However, they are also considering putting in a gym for players at the club. They will also be meeting with local representatives in a bit to determine how the units can best serve the community.
Locals have already begun to rally behind the new club and have offered up their spare time to get the units ready for a final fit.
Jack O’Neill, General Manager of the club said: “This is the first of many steps that we are taking to improve the facilities at the Carlisle grounds and to see the local community already willing to help out is a positive statement that we are heading in the right direction.”
The new company, Bray Wanderers Community Football Club (BWCFC) has already begun fundraising and local businessmen and community leaders have joined the club’s new 300 club initiative.
Wanderers President, Philip Hannigan, has been “overwhelmed” by the support they have received since they announced the club would be becoming community-owned.
“These buildings are a welcome addition to the Carlisle grounds. They are a visible demonstration of our determination to develop this club and its facilities to better serve the local community,” he said.
“The fact that they were donated by a company in the town shows exactly the spirit we want the club to embody – and also what can be achieved when a community works together.”
