On behalf of AIFC CIC, the board of Directors and senior management team would like to welcome all from Newark Town together with our own supporters to the NFU Mutual Sports Ground. Since our last update, the ground improvement works have significantly progressed and we would like to take this opportunity to advise you on the progress of each project. Sports pitches, car park and improvements to access The creation of the new junior football pitches has been completed in September and is currently in the maintenance period. Currently, it is planned that the new pitches will be used for the first time at our Junior tournaments planned for June 2025, earlier than anticipated. Works to the car park and new access have been delayed further. As reported in our last update, this is due to subsidence issues with Lower Packington Road adjacent to the current entrance and the club is still waiting for Leicestershire County Council to investigate and confirm liability for any costs associated with any remedials. The club are also pleased to be able to report that new car park lighting will be installed over the coming weeks with monies raised through fund raising initiatives. This will improve the safety of everyone that visits our facilities at night. New clubhouse roof, new changing rooms and perimeter fencing The new perimeter fencing has been installed to two sides of the first team pitch. We are targeting getting the remaining sides installed ready for next season, funds permitting. The construction of the new changing rooms with a completion date planned for the start of the 2025/2026 season. On behalf of AIFC CIC, we would personally like to thank everyone for your support and all of the companies that have supported the ground development plans to date. If you wish to know more about the ground development works or can offer support in anyway, please feel free to find us and ask any questions you may have. Thanks and come on Ashby Ivanhoe. Jon, Neil, Derrick, Mark and Chris AIFC CIC Directors

First of all, on behalf of AIFC CIC, the board of Directors and senior management team would like to welcome all from Harrowby United to the NFU Mutual Sports Ground. This match marks the long awaited return to First Team league football after we have needed to play our home games at Quorn last season and away from home for the start of the 2024/2025 season. Since our last update on the clubs redevelopment plans, events have significantly moved on and we would like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of the two current planning applications. Planning application – 22/01811/FULM – Sports pitches, car park and improvements to access Following the lengthy planning process, we are pleased to announce that the creation of the new junior football pitches commenced at the end of August and were completed within a 3 week period. The grass is beginning to grow and it is planned that the new pitches will be ready for the summer of 2026. Works to the car park and new access have been delayed. This is due to subsidence issues with Lower Packington Road adjacent to the current entrance and the club is waiting for Leicestershire County Council to investigate and provide a report into the problem as necessary. Planning application – 22/01811/FULM – New clubhouse roof, new changing rooms, extension to covered seating area and new hardstanding. Ground grading works are complete and you now have the ability to be able to stand behind the far goal supporting the team. A new walkway behind the ‘shed end drinkers’ stand has been created together with additional seats to the David Morris stand. Additional perimeter fencing which will separate the main first team pitch from the adjacent pitches/training areas is to be installed in the coming weeks. The construction of the new changing rooms has commenced and the creation of this will massively improve the facilities at our ground. Subject to additional funding becoming available, the intention is for the changing rooms to be completed by the end of 2024. On behalf of AIFC CIC, we would personally like to thank everyone for your support during the planning application process together with all of the companies that have supported the ground development plans to date. We will continue with our plans to create a facility that we all can be proud of. Off the field, we are pleased to announce that in the summer, Mark Scrivener and Chris Palmer joined the CIC structure, becoming Non-Executive Directors to support the current Directors, their addition will be very beneficial for the development of the club off the field. If you wish to know more about the ground development works, please feel free to find us and ask any questions you may have. Thanks and come on Ashby Ivanhoe  Jon, Neil and Derrick AIFC CIC Directors

Ivanhoe secured their place in the next round of the Sports Ground Development UCL Cup last night through Sam Grouse’s second half goal!  It was an excellent performance from front to back and the boys could have won by significantly more, as Grouse saw a chance narrowly go over the bar and one come off the post! At home, the Knights put in a good performance against a higher level opposition, but that game ended with Heather coming out on top winning 3-0. Now onto Saturday when our focus switches back to the league, as the first team host Melton Town at the NFU, and the Knights travel to Cottesmore!