Words and lead image supplied by The Pioneer Group / Supporting pics by Ed King
Birmingham-based Paget Rangers have come home to Castle Vale, playing on Saturday afternoons at Castle Vale Stadium as per league fixtures.
Since leaving the estate in the late 90s, the football club are already re-engaging with the local community by welcoming them to their home games.
The team are also preparing to provide free football training at the stadium, for those living in Castle Vale and surrounding areas.
Dave Travers, Stadium Manager at Castle Vale Stadium, said: “We are delighted to have brought back Paget Rangers to the stadium, as a new club with a big community focus.
“With a junior section of teams from ages 7 to 18, they have a clear pathway into first team football and are producing their first own team players.”
Lee Woods, Stadium Duty Officer, added: “It’s exciting to welcome Paget Rangers back home and see how the club drives forward.
“All of us at the stadium and wider organisation, The Pioneer Group, look forward to the future of this new, bright partnership.”
Almost 25 years ago, Paget Rangers moved to their home, Vale Stadium in Castle Vale, for the start of the 1998/1999 season, after five seasons ground sharing with Sutton Coldfield Town.
Unfortunately, this did not work out – however, The Pioneer Group bought the stadium, maintaining a community sport and social hub for Castle Vale residents.
Sean Feeney, Chairman of Paget Rangers, said: “We believe that Castle Vale Stadium can be the heartbeat of this football club and residents of the local community can be our 12th man.
“We look forward to supporters joining us, so we have decided to offer all residents from Castle Vale a discounted season ticket this year.”
For more from Paget Rangers visit www.pagetrangers.co.uk
For more information about Castle Vale Stadium, visit www.castlevalestadium.co.uk or follow the venue on Facebook @Castle Vale Stadium
For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk
The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale Community Housing, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
