Resurgent Non League Stratford hailed as a "model club" by impressed ministers

Non League Stratford Town hope to help provide a government blueprint for clubs to help their local communities after being praised on a visit by ministers.

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston joined Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to carry out the opening of Stratford’s new academy and education sports hub recently. The club was weeks away from shutting its doors four years ago until the intervention of current club chairman Jed McCrory and vice chairman Steve Shipway. The club is now valued at £1.4 million and on a sustainable pathway.

Huddleston reviewed the club’s community work and commented that Town are setting standards that others up and down the country should emulate. Mr Huddleston said: “We need more clubs like Stratford Town, they are the heart and soul of our community. To me it is a model club and one that others in the country should seek to replicate. It is great to see the education centre - a superb example of how such a hub should be set-up and run - and I was delighted to be asked to open it alongside Nadhim, the local MP.

“It is a hugely important part of what’s on offer at Stratford Town - giving opportunities to kids who might not otherwise have those chances. It shows the power of sports clubs where they can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and give them a helping hand. This is one of the best examples of that work at grassroots level that I’ve seen.”

Stratford, who reached the FA Cup first round last season when they played Shrewsbury Town in front of nearly 3,000 fans, are thriving and enjoy good relationships with key district and county council officers, local ward councillor Kate Rolfe and county council leader Izzi Seccombe.

They hope it will enable them to expand and redevelop