Arun Sports Arena back open for business

Arun Sports Arena has been newly-refurbished and is back open for business.
Peter Matthews is a partner in the newly-opened Arun Sports ArenaPeter Matthews is a partner in the newly-opened Arun Sports Arena
Peter Matthews is a partner in the newly-opened Arun Sports Arena

The site in Ford boasts four state-of-the-art 3G indoor pitches, a fully equipped meeting room, café and licensed bar.

Peter Matthews, who manages Storrington Football Club in the Southern Combination League, has joined forces with local businessman Steve Dudman to become partners in the venture.

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Matthews admits a lot of work went into the project with the site being out of use for several years.

He said: “After a lot of hard work and investment we are more than happy to be up and running. We have totally refurbished the arena and had hoped to have opened a little sooner but we wanted to ensure that everything was ready for use.

“There has been a lot of associated effort talking to the local community, authorities, clubs and businesses to ensure people are aware that we are here.”

Despite being open for less than a month, local girls’ side Rustington Raiders and youth side Wick Dynamos have based themselves at the arena.

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Chelsea Foundation are using the site for the development of local youngsters, a five-a-side league will begin shortly for local businesses, while other teams and soccer schools have expressed their interest.

Matthews added: “We are extremely pleased to have both Wick Dynamos and Rustington Raiders based here at the arena, as well as Chelsea Foundation.

“We are actively talking to the local authority and other representative groups. We are trying to create a club atmosphere and also an arena that the local community have got access to and can use.

“Primarily, this is an indoor football arena. The pitches can be used for team or social use but could well be used for other sports as well.

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“We’ve designed the goals on each pitch so they can fold flat back to the wall so alternative use of the pitch area is possible.

“We are hoping this can be used as a hub for the area and get teams coming here.”

Arun Sports Arena is open seven days a week. For further details and all hire rates, visit www.arunsportsarena.com or call 01903 255155.

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