Bellingham's First Club Plans £800k Stadium Overhaul

Stourbridge FC, the club where football sensation Jude Bellingham began his career, is embarking on significant stadium renovation plans, aiming for an £800,000 investment. The War Memorial Ground, currently shared with Stourbridge Cricket Club, faces structural issues. Two stands have been rendered unusable due to the stadium's location on a sandstone ridge, impacting fan capacity and potentially the club's performance.

The proposed upgrades are contingent on a new, long-term lease agreement with Dudley Council, who currently own the ground and lease the pitch to the club. This extended lease is considered paramount for attracting the necessary investment for the substantial £800,000 project. The club is also actively working to raise £50,000 independently and has submitted planning permission requests.

This development holds deep significance for the town of Stourbridge, which has immense pride in Bellingham's achievements. The England star's journey began at this very club, making the proposed stadium transformation a symbol of local aspiration and a potential catalyst for future success, even as the team battles relegation.