Home of Eastbourne Borough FC
Opened 1988
Capacity 4,151
★★★★★
★★★★★
Only attended for a public meeting. I walked so parking was not an issue, but the car park appeared to be full. The meeting was well supported and seating capacity was inadequate. I don't know how busy it is normally, but I'm guessing seating could be a problem for other events. Decor was a little dated, but some painting was taking place in the lobby area.
a month ago
Child's football development.
Mostly great coaches and a few not so great. Could do better understanding some children are anxious which unfortunately holds them back. Rather than nurture them, understanding it is not a choice, they instead give them very little game time. The more game time, the faster each child will develop skills and confidence, but this is unfortunately not understood by all and there is a lack of care. Progress of these children is therefore slowed, sitting on the sidelines.
Such coaches know who they are subbing in advance of games which is dreadful for a child's motivation and self confidence & not a behaviour to be associated with a 'coach'.
The children are there to have fun and develop which can unfortunately be overseen by some.
The majority of coaches are very good, so it's unfortunate to have to write a review.
Completely appreciate coaches are giving up their time, but it needs to be about the children and their development which doesn't have to mean success, although that is of course an added bonus and what children should aspire for. The children aren't paid pros, in fact fees are paid by parents/carers for enjoyment of the children which is compromised by a few coaches.
This is not an isolated thought, but one also shared (but not vocalised) by others, even those who don't experience this completely get it.
It would be great if the club ensured coaches adopt inclusive principles, thus ensuring football is enjoyed by all, including those who suffer with anxiety and need a little more positive encouragement. As it stands, some children are being put off playing football due to non inclusive coaching standards.. This must not happen, it has to be about the children. ☹️
2 months ago
History (from Wikipedia)
Building commenced in 1983 when the club, which had just joined the Sussex County Football League, leased a playing field and built a garage to store equipment in. The first competitive match played at Priory Lane was against East Preston on 15 September 1984, a match which the Sports won 1–0.[3] At this point in time, the team played on the pitch in front of the modern stadium site.[4] They have played on the current pitch since 1988.[3]
Over the years the ground has seen a lot of development. Involving piping a tunnel and installing their own pumping station for drainage. The Peter Fountain stand was first to be built in 1989, named after the man who supplied the labour.[5] This was later extended in the early 1990s as Langney Sports were working their way up in the Sussex County League.
There was also a hump where spectators had excellent views of the pitch before the Mick Green stand was built in 1995 ready for the 1995–96 season and is in memory of the club captain who was killed in a building accident in 1994.[5] The Mick Green stand holds the players dressing rooms and a tea bar on the ground level and hospitality suites upstairs.
Construction of the Main stand began in the 1999–00 season[6] and following funding from the Football Foundation in March 2001 and promotion to the National Conference in 2008 was expanded to its current capacity.[3]
Part of the stadium complex includes the Langney Sports Club, which is open to non-members on selected match days, an indoor bowls centre, archery and tennis courts.[7]
In 2007, a rent dispute with the local council created concern that Eastbourne Borough would lose its stadium after the former attempted to increase the rent from £3,000 to £17,000. The supporters club stepped in and collected over 1,000 signatures in a petition.[8] In June 2009, the FA decided that Priory Lane stadium is a Grade A Stadium but advised that the capacity to be reduced to 4,134. The criteria for a Grade A stadium is to have a capacity of 4,000 with at least 500 seats although to be expanded to 5,000 spectators with 1,000 seats by the end of their first season in League Two.
The record attendance is 3,770 against Oxford United in the FA Challenge Cup 1st Round on 5 October 2005.[9]
The first live televised game was on 12 October 2008 in a league game against Stevenage Borough.[10]
In March 2016, plans were finalised to switch to a 3G Artificial Turf in time for the 2016–17 season.[11]
Borough reached a ground-share agreement with neighbours Langney Wanderers in April 2017. Wanderers will play their home matches at Priory Lane from the 2017–18 season.[12]
Over the years the ground has seen a lot of development. Involving piping a tunnel and installing their own pumping station for drainage. The Peter Fountain stand was first to be built in 1989, named after the man who supplied the labour.[5] This was later extended in the early 1990s as Langney Sports were working their way up in the Sussex County League.
There was also a hump where spectators had excellent views of the pitch before the Mick Green stand was built in 1995 ready for the 1995–96 season and is in memory of the club captain who was killed in a building accident in 1994.[5] The Mick Green stand holds the players dressing rooms and a tea bar on the ground level and hospitality suites upstairs.
Construction of the Main stand began in the 1999–00 season[6] and following funding from the Football Foundation in March 2001 and promotion to the National Conference in 2008 was expanded to its current capacity.[3]
Part of the stadium complex includes the Langney Sports Club, which is open to non-members on selected match days, an indoor bowls centre, archery and tennis courts.[7]
In 2007, a rent dispute with the local council created concern that Eastbourne Borough would lose its stadium after the former attempted to increase the rent from £3,000 to £17,000. The supporters club stepped in and collected over 1,000 signatures in a petition.[8] In June 2009, the FA decided that Priory Lane stadium is a Grade A Stadium but advised that the capacity to be reduced to 4,134. The criteria for a Grade A stadium is to have a capacity of 4,000 with at least 500 seats although to be expanded to 5,000 spectators with 1,000 seats by the end of their first season in League Two.
The record attendance is 3,770 against Oxford United in the FA Challenge Cup 1st Round on 5 October 2005.[9]
The first live televised game was on 12 October 2008 in a league game against Stevenage Borough.[10]
In March 2016, plans were finalised to switch to a 3G Artificial Turf in time for the 2016–17 season.[11]
Borough reached a ground-share agreement with neighbours Langney Wanderers in April 2017. Wanderers will play their home matches at Priory Lane from the 2017–18 season.[12]
Things to do nearby.
Royal Oak & Castle.
The Marine.
