Shrewsbury Town secure crucial funding to save community hub from closure | OneFootball

Shrewsbury Town's community efforts received a significant boost from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund.

Shrewsbury Town's community efforts received a significant boost after the club's foundation secured £67,000 in funding to help restore and improve its key community site, Meadowside.

The funding, provided by the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, will aid in a £140,000 project aimed at transforming the rundown facility in Shropshire. The goal is to make sure it remains a safe, welcoming, and accessible space for local residents.

Meadowside had fallen into major disrepair in recent years. Issues like a leaking roof, broken heating, and unsafe outdoor areas had become frequent problems, leading to the cancellation of important outreach sessions.

With the club potentially up for sale, concerns had grown that the site could be sold to private developers, putting years of essential community work at risk.

However, those concerns have eased with the signing of a new 20-year lease for the site. This lease, secured with the help of the new grant, guarantees Meadowside's long-term future and ensures the space will continue to serve the Shropshire community for years ahead.

Shin Aujla, Director of the Shrewsbury Town Foundation, stated that the grant came at a crucial time.

"This grant is vital to the future of Meadowside and what it stands for. Without it, we risked losing a space that serves as a lifeline to so many. Thanks to Sky Bet and the EFL, we can now improve Meadowside into the inclusive, welcoming facility our community deserves."

The grant is part of the latest round of funding from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund.

Launched in 2024, this initiative supports infrastructure and community projects linked to EFL clubs. More than £300,000 has been distributed in this round to help clubs create real and lasting change off the pitch.

Bradford City received £100,000 for The Way Forward, a mentoring and football program aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds facing challenges like unemployment and poor mental health. This program is already making a difference in some of the most deprived areas of Bradford, helping young men move toward education, employment, and better wellbeing.

Coventry City's Sky Blues in the Community was awarded £67,000 to redevelop a neglected area at Longford Park into a modern 3G PlayZone focused on inclusion, community pride, and reducing antisocial behavior.

Huddersfield Town Foundation received £36,000 for Heart of the Town, a heart health project targeting men over 18 through a mix of physical activity and health education. The project will be delivered across Kirklees with rapid testing provided by trained health staff.

Kieran Forde, Sky Bet's Head of Brand and Sponsorship, praised the variety and depth of the supported projects.

"This latest round of grants shows the power of football to create meaningful change. Whether it's protecting an important facility in Shrewsbury or improving health in Huddersfield, we’re proud to support projects that build stronger communities."

EFL Director of Community Debbie Cook noted that the impact of the grants goes beyond just the game.

"These grants represent hopes for health, opportunities, and belonging. That’s what our club charities are all about. We’re incredibly proud of the work already being done thanks to this funding and grateful to Sky Bet for their ongoing support of our communities."

The Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund has committed a total of £6 million over six years, reinforcing its long-term promise to support football-led community infrastructure and help clubs achieve their full impact off the pitch.

For Shrewsbury Town and its supporters, the investment in Meadowside means more than just renovating a building.