Banstead Athletic is fighting to reclaim its home ground after months away, hoping to restore its community hub and football legacy.
Banstead: A local football club is eager to return to its home after being away for months. Banstead Athletic has been without a ground since last year, and they miss their community.
The trouble started when their chairman, Terry Molloy, passed away. After that, the club lost its ground at Merland Rise. Gary Grabban stepped in as chairman, but things have been tough.
Gary explained that the lease renewal was still in the works when Terry died. With no one to keep things running, the council decided to close the club. It’s been a real blow.
To keep the team going, Gary set up a ground-sharing deal with Chessington & Hook United. He’s even funding it himself, but it’s not easy. Meanwhile, Merland Rise sits empty.
The ground isn’t just a pitch; it has a clubhouse too. Gary mentioned that the clubhouse was a hub for locals, with nearly 400 members. Losing that space has hurt the community.
It was also a venue for weddings, parties, and other events. Now, staff have lost their jobs, and the community feels the gap.
While the council is open to leasing the ground again, it’s not guaranteed to Banstead Athletic. Gary hopes they won’t lose it to a rival club. That would be like giving Liverpool the keys to Old Trafford!
The council is currently looking for clubs interested in leasing the ground. They want to see proposals by February 3, focusing on youth and women’s sports.
Gary’s team has a plan to bring back youth and women’s teams. They believe they should get their ground back if they meet the council’s criteria. They also want to boost community involvement.
They know the facilities need work. They’re even thinking about installing artificial turf. But these things take time, and they need a decision soon.
As the 2025/2026 season approaches, they need to prepare the ground. The pitch has been untouched, and the clubhouse has faced vandalism. They’re eager for the council’s decision.
For Gary, this fight is personal. He played for the club and has great memories of bringing his son to games. His son, Lewis, went on to have a successful football career.
Gary often shares his son’s story to inspire young players. He believes in football for everyone, no matter the level. The sense of community is what matters most.
Everyone on the management team shares a deep connection to the club. They’re all committed to keeping Banstead Athletic alive.
Banstead Athletic has been around since 1944 and moved to Merland Rise in 1955. Gary is passionate about keeping the club at its historic home.
He sees a bright future for the community, both on and off the pitch. This project is an exciting opportunity for everyone to get involved.
Gary has received support from local councillors, who are hopeful about the club’s future. They want to see community sports facilities thrive.
Cllr Khan believes raising awareness has helped protect the stadium for now. He hopes the council will give Gary a chance to lease it next season.
Cllr Harrison noted the shock of losing Terry Molloy and how it affected the club. He’s glad the council is committed to bringing football back to Merland Rise.
They’re looking for interested parties to help revive the ground and clubhouse. Improvements are needed, but they’re optimistic about the future.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has been contacted for comment.
