Armthorpe Miners’ Welfare welcomed Doncaster Central MP Sally Jameson to see first-hand the impact of a major upgrade to the welfare’s floodlighting system, delivered with support from CISWO – The Coal Mining Charity.
The project, completed earlier this year, replaced the ageing and unreliable floodlights with a modern, energy‑efficient LED system. CISWO’s Grants Service provided guidance throughout the funding application process, helping the club secure the investment needed to deliver the £76,966 upgrade. Funding was achieved through contributions from the Premier League Stadium Fund, Charles and Elsie Sykes Foundation, Marra Falcon Sponsorship, Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, Brelms Trust and CISWO’s Recreational Grant.
During her visit, Sally Jameson met with CISWO and club representatives to learn how the improved lighting has transformed access to sport and physical activity for the Armthorpe community.
Prior to the upgrade, the old floodlights had become increasingly unreliable, creating uneven coverage that disrupted training sessions and matches, limited community access during darker months, and contributed to unnecessary wear on the pitch. The new LED system now provides safe, consistent lighting across the ground, enabling uninterrupted activity throughout the year.
Around 1,000 people use the facilities each year, including Mini Miners aged 4 to 6, Wildcats Girls aged 5 to 11, youth teams, adult players, coaches, volunteers, match officials, supporters and visiting teams. The new lighting has created a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment for everyone who relies on the ground for sport, physical activity and social connection.
Sally Jameson MP said:
It’s fantastic to see the difference this investment has made for Armthorpe Miners’ Welfare and the wider community. Facilities like this play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting young people, and keeping grassroots sport thriving.
The new LED floodlights are already improving safety, participation and year round access and it’s clear how much this means to everyone who uses the ground. I’m grateful to CISWO and all the funders involved for helping deliver such a positive and lasting improvement for Armthorpe.
Tony Walton, Chairman of Armthorpe Miners’ Welfare, added:
The club continues to grow at a pace, and the committee are proud of what it’s achieving for the village. The new LED floodlights have made a huge difference to how we can use the stadium. Training and matches are no longer disrupted, and the improved lighting has created a safer, more enjoyable environment for all our players, volunteers, and visitors.
We are extremely grateful to CISWO for their guidance in securing the funding, as well as the Football Foundation for their vital contributions. We also want to thank Halliday Lighting for delivering the project, and Bryn Close for his continued support. This improvement is just the start, with more improvements planned in the coming months to make the site the centre point of football in Armthorpe.
Nicola Didlock, Chief Executive of CISWO, said:
This project demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when we work closely with miners’ welfare organisations to strengthen facilities at the heart of former mining communities. Armthorpe Miners’ Welfare is a valued local asset, and the new floodlights will help extend access, improve safety and support increased participation for years to come.
CISWO’s Grants Service continues to work with miners’ welfare charities and community organisations across the UK to secure funding for essential improvements and long‑term sustainability, ensuring facilities like Marra Falcon Stadium continue to bring people together for generations.
More information is available at Supporting charities – CISWO
