Businessman Clive Matthews upgrading Grove Playfield

Nov 01, 2012 Sports

-youths longing for proper ground

He has placed his heart, soul and resources into the development of football on the East Bank to the extent that he is the senior Vice President of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA).
Businessman Clive Matthews said that he has a passion for seeing the Grove Playfield developed into one of the best on the East Bank and to become the Mecca for the sport in that jurisdiction.

Mr. Clive Matthews stands on part of the Grove Playfield where expansion work has already commenced.

Over the years he said that they have faced many challenges in upgrading the Playfield and bringing it to a proper standard for the continuous playing of football.
“I’ve been around this game for quite some time and after a discussion with my family and the EBFA, I have decided to put some money into the extension of this playfield in terms of the length and width.
It will take about 100 truck load of mud to accomplish the desired objective, we have started this about one month now and it will take us about four months to see this first phase completed.
Kaieteur Sport understands that all the Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) does is cut the field. The building adjoining the field is in a deplorable state and Matthews said that they will be making moves shortly to upgrade that as well.
The EBFA has made numerous attempts to get a ground of their own and have not been successful. Approaches were made to get the Diamond and Providence Grounds, to no avail. The Timehri Red Ground has been used in the past for matches but has not been in playing condition for quite some time.
These challenges will not deter the EBFA from working assiduously towards achieving a home of their own. Plans are also on the tables to build a set of bleachers and dressing rooms in phase two of the project according to Matthews.
EBFA President Wayne Francois in an invited comment said that Matthews has been a tower of strength over the years and his initiative to expand the field is being supported 100% by the EBFA.
“We really need to get the game playing on a consistent basis on the East Bank and this has been a constant challenge due to the fact that we do not have a ground we can call our own. We have been trying to play as much as we can. When this project is completed it will further empower us to run off tournaments for our youths they way we want to see it.”

The Grove Community Centre.

Both Matthews and Francois said that any corporate support would be welcome in realizing a proper ground/facility that all will be proud of which would serve as inspiration to the players on the East Bank.
The EBFA has nine (9) clubs affiliated: Kuru Kuru Lions, Kuru Kuru Warriors, Timehri Panthers, Soesdyke Falcons, Agricola Red Triangle, Grove Hi Tec, Diamond United, Bagotstown and Mocha Champs.