Ashby Ivanhoe FC CIC believe they are on course to complete the purchase of their ground by the beginning of December.

The club have ambitious plans to turn the ground into a community hub.

But they must be in a position to complete the purchase of the NFU ground in Lower Packington Road by December 1.

That will cost £375,000 - but another £925,000 will be needed to undertake phase 2 of the redevelopment of the existing facility.

You can view the club's Go Fund Me page HERE.

On the Bank Holiday weekend, Ashby Ivanhoe staged an open day where proposed plans for the new development were on show.

Due to the interest being generated, this was extended to last weekend, to coincide with their First team's opening league fixture.

And officials felt they were met positively by members of the public who attended.

Jon Emmerson, CIC Director, said that he feels Ashby Ivanhoe are well placed to realise their ambitious plans.

He said: "It went very well on Bank Holiday Sunday, the presentation was from one until four. We had different people in attendance, coaches and parents, along with people who socialise at the club, plus other members of the community, the feedback we got was extremely positive, as a result we extended this to last Saturday, to allow more people to view our plans.

"We had some sketch proposals prepared by David Granger Architects, it shows the proposed ground and first floor layouts of the new community building, the new changing block, the location for the artificial pitch and new entrance details, which we are looking at putting in to make things safer.

"Plus we also had some photographs of where we were three years ago, compare to where we are now.

"Nobody who came down had a negative feel towards the plans. There was a real upbeat feel to it:

"In terms of fundraising events it was very good."

Jon explained where he thinks the Midland League club are with just under three months until the deadline to buy the ground.

He added: "We are looking at December 1 for a date for completing the purchase of the ground, in terms of where we're going, we will be in a position to make further announcements about the current position later this month.

"I can be as bold as saying that everything is going in the right direction.

"There is lots of positivity towards our plans, with the understanding that we need to purchase the ground to safeguard our future.

"People are buying into it, but when we get to phase two, there are organisations who would actually fund the sort of refurbishment and newbuild we are looking to do.

"Some of the doors we are opening are with phase 2 in mind.

"The overall position suggests everything is achievable."

Jon is also aware of the timing of having to raise funds within the unprecedented times, by adding: "We have been mindful that the timing for fund raising is not great, as there are still companies who have staff furloughed and only recently re-opened, but we had to exchange contracts to buy the ground during lockdown and complete in this timescale.

"It's a sensitive time, but we don't have any choice and on behalf of Ashby Ivanhoe, wish to thank everyone with their support to date."