London Skolars are delighted to announce that the club has reached agreement with Ryman Premier Division football Club Enfield Town to play six Kingstone Press Championship 1 Home games at their Queen Elizabeth II Stadium in Enfield.
The Stadium has undergone major refurbishment works in recent years and Enfield Town made the 2,500 capacity stadium their home just over two years ago.
Skolars visited a number of potential venues in recent months after learning that New River Stadium was to undergo major works to include a state of the art 4G pitch, new floodlights and refurbishment and upgrading of the main stand. Fusion Lifestyle, who have just taken a long term lease of the site, have successfully applied for planning permission and work on the pitch will begin immediately after Skolars game with South Wales Scorpions and is scheduled to take 16 weeks.
Leading the search for a suitable temporary home has been Skolars General Manager Howard Kramer, who had this to say on the move: “It’s been a difficult process as we have had so many factors to take into consideration. We have been very mindful of the upheaval this move will cause, not only to Joe Mbu and the team but also to our supporters, and we have therefore opted for Enfield, which is exactly five miles from New River and provides first class facilities not only for the teams playing their but, just as importantly, the spectators too.”
“We have also had to consider the RFL’s Championship 1 stadium guidelines and ensure all minimum requirements are met. We have been made to feel most welcome by Enfield Town and their Vice-Chairman, Roger Reed, has gone to great lengths to make sure the deal happened. Enfield have shown great enthusiasm for Rugby League to be played at their Stadium and share our belief that an opportunity exists to reach a wider audience.”
“I believe rugby league supporters will be pleasantly surprised by the QEII Stadium facilities. Whilst the club apologises for the obvious inconvenience this move will cause to some I sincerely hope everyone will make a big effort to follow Skolars to their new temporary home. Before you know it we’ll be back at New River and enjoying the upgraded pitch and facilities for Friday Night Lights!”
Enfield Council’s Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, James Rolfe, said: “Rugby League is an exciting game which is followed by millions of people around the world and I’m sure sports fans in Enfield will relish the chance of seeing first-hand the excitement of these matches.
“With the work London Skolars already undertake in the local community this is an ideal opportunity for residents to support their first team and we look forward to welcoming them, their fans and, of course, opposition fans to Enfield.
‘Enfield Council, Enfield Town FC and London Skolars will be working together over the coming weeks to promote the fixtures to ensure the venture is a success and that all who attend the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium have a great afternoon out.”
Information on travel to the QEII stadium, both by car and public transport can be obtianed by clicking here
