Welcome to the new Rectory Meadow

By | David Rees

Around 17 weeks ago, following the conclusion of last season, an incredible effort began at Rectory Meadow. A small but well-formed army of our dedicated volunteers joined forces with our contractor, and main shirt sponsor, Blakedown Sport and Play to take on the huge task of digging up and demolishing parts of our existing stadium and rebuilding our home ground laying a brand-new playing surface and installing new and upgraded facilities around it.

The stadium, which has been Villa’s home since 1997, has seen many changes over the years, but none quite as substantial or transformative as this summer’s works. What has taken place is not just maintenance, but a complete step forward for the club and the local community. With all the hard work now behind us, we are delighted to welcome you back to Rectory Meadow.

The official opening of the new-look stadium will take place on Saturday, 13th September, when we host fellow Middlesex County side Hayes & Yeading United in the Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division. The ground will open from 1.30pm, with a more formal schedule of celebrations to be announced shortly and the match kicking off at 3pm. Tickets are available to purchase online now, we encourage supporters to secure theirs early and be part of this historic day.

What’s New at Rectory Meadow?

The summer project has been extensive and far-reaching, with both visible improvements for supporters and behind-the-scenes upgrades that will benefit staff, players, and volunteers alike. Some of the highlights include:

• A state-of-the-art 3G playing surface, ensuring consistent quality year-round.
• New spectator viewing areas, with fans able to access all four sides of the pitch for the first time.
• A 200-seat stand, greatly enhancing comfort and capacity.
• Upgraded roofing on the terrace, providing better cover in all weathers.
• A modern PA system, improving matchday atmosphere and communication.
• A kids’ play area, first introduced last season, helping make matchdays more family friendly.
• A brand-new club shop, offering supporters the chance to stock up on merchandise.
• The all-new Fans Zone, sponsored by Safe Drive Systems, featuring:
  • An upgraded food outlet with more menu options and quicker service.
  • A brand-new bar, perfect for pre- and post-match refreshments.
  • Comfortable seating areas with new tables and chairs for supporters to relax and socialise.

Beyond these visible enhancements, several vital infrastructure upgrades have also been completed, including:

• Upgraded internal computer networks and high-speed fibre internet.
• Enhanced CCTV and security systems.
• New power and gas supplies to support our growing facilities.
• Fresh coats of paint and finishing touches across the ground.

Looking Ahead

This investment in Rectory Meadow represents far more than just bricks, mortar, and turf it’s a statement about our ambition as a club. We are committed to improving the matchday experience for supporters, providing players with the best possible facilities, and ensuring our home ground is a hub of community activity for many years to come.

We are incredibly excited to welcome fans back, to see families enjoying the new facilities, and to begin this new chapter in Villa’s story together. The opening match against Hayes & Yeading promises to be a special occasion, and we look forward to celebrating it with you.

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