Support us to build the Priory Pavilion

A game-changer for football in Lewes

Football in Lewes is thriving, with hundreds of players, coaches, and volunteers dedicating their time to making the sport accessible to all. However, the facilities supporting this vibrant community are outdated, lacking shelter, changing rooms, and essential storage. We’re taking action to change that—but we need your help.

By investing in this project, you will be directly supporting grassroots football and ensuring our Lewes community has the infrastructure to keep the game alive for years to come.

What will the Priory Pavilion be?

Priory Pavilion will be a bandstand-style sports hub, connecting the Lewes FC’s 3G pitch with Priory School fields, made up of ten large, refurnished storage containers, with an over-arching roof made from a re-purposed metal water storage tank.

The pavilion will offer:

• Shelter and seating for players and spectators

• Changing rooms and toilets for all-weather use

• Secure storage for essential equipment

• Lighting and power to extend usability

• A welcoming environment - and hopefully refreshment opportunities - for all who use the space.

The facility will be temporary, removable and re-usable. Should funding become available for a permanent structure, it can be easily taken away.

Priory Pavilion will dramatically improve facilities to the 3G and the Priory School fields playing areas, improve access and increase the use of pitches – more people playing football and keeping fit and healthy!

What’s the problem we’re trying to fix?

Facilities at the Lewes FC 3G pitch are basic.

Hot, running water has recently been installed, along with flushing loos and changing room facilities. A mobile coffee van is now a regular and much-appreciated feature.

But the pitch is exposed to the elements and conditions for players, coaches, parents and supporters are not ideal. The only shelter is limited to two small pitch side dug outs. If we want to see more people choosing to play football with us, conditions must be improved.

The current lack of facilities on the Priory School fields means that, before sports lessons, Priory School students must change in the school buildings on the main site, cutting short their time on the pitches. The lack of easy access to the 3G from the school further reduces the time available for use of the artificial pitch.

The lack of facilities restricts the amount the Priory School fields can be used by school students at break times. In particular, girls must return to the main school site over Ham Lane to reach a loo. This problem also impacts the young learners at the Lewes Forest school.

What good will it do?

We want to see a Lewes where everyone is leading healthier lives and feeling connected to our community through football.

Priory Pavilion will allow us to provide more opportunities for inclusive participation and will help foster a sense of pride and belonging.

Where will it be?

The pavilion will sit at the north-west corner of Priory School fields, adjacent to an existing gate from Ham Lane. It will physically link the school fields and the 3G sites provide secure, direct access between them, from either side.

Our target: £65,000

Building a quality facility costs money, and we’re aiming to raise £65,000 to cover the essential elements of the project. The estimated breakdown includes:

• Structural foundation and groundwork: £6,250

• Reclaimed shipping containers for facilities: £25,000

• Roof construction: £15,000

• Lighting and electrics: £2,500

• Plumbing and drainage: £250

• Flooring (using reclaimed 3G surface): £1,000

• Fencing and security: £1,500

• Painting and signage: £3,500

• General contingency: £10,000

We're keeping costs down by relying on volunteer labour and reusing materials, where possible, but we still need financial support to make it happen.

Does it need planning permission?

Yes, it does. We are at the pre-planning stage and hope to be given the opportunity to apply for permission in summer 2025 with an aim to bring the project to fruition in summer 2026.

How you can help

Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to making this dream a reality. Here’s how you can contribute:

🔹 Donate today – Every pound counts. Click below to make a contribution

🔹 Sponsor a section – Businesses or individuals can fund a specific part of the project

🔹 Volunteer your time – Help us with construction, painting, or setting up the space.

👉 Donate now

Email here or call Pete Bull on 07508 712421, for more info and if you think you can help.

Why it matters

This isn’t just about football—it’s about creating a lasting community space that will support youth development, fitness, and social inclusion.

The football hub will benefit:

• Over 300 Lewes Juniors players across all teams

• Weekly Walking Football and Football Therapy sessions

• Lewes Vets football teams

• Priory School students who currently have no changing facilities for sports or a home for their forest school

• Players at Lewes FC who use the 3G pitch for training.

By supporting this project, you're investing in people, not just pitches!

Be part of something special

This is a community-led initiative and, with your help, we can build something truly meaningful. Join us in creating a home for football in Lewes that future generations will benefit from.

Donate now and be part of Lewes football history!