Ashby Ivanhoe FC says there are plans to improve their pitches for next season - after a series of matches were called off due to wet weather.

The club are facing a fixture backlog as they have not been able to play at the NFU ground in Lower Packington Road since Novermber.

Now, the club have issued a statement to supporters explaining what they plan to do about the problem.

It reads: "On behalf of Ashby Ivanhoe FC, we are aware of the ever-increasing frustration being encountered by our coaches, players, parents and supporters on the number of games that have and continue to be cancelled. 

"This frustration is replicated through the whole of the management team, who work tirelessly to try to provide good quality facilities for our teams to play football on.

"The extent and timing of rain that we have had since October has been unbelievable and has caused havoc for numerous clubs, including professional teams, throughout the country.

"We understand that games being cancelled has an impact on people, with both disappointment and expense, in the event of fixture reversals for our junior teams. 

"The club have looked into alternative venues, but most are booked up and the lack of 5 v 5 and 7 v 7 a-side pitches on Hood Park, Westfields and Western Park does not help our cause.

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"However, whilst we cannot change what has happened this season, we wish to inform you of some of the history and AIFC's plans to try to improve our pitches for next season.

"The club has recently invested in trial holes, which shows that in normal circumstances, there is a high water table which is approximately 1200mm below the surface. tone. Currently, the water is sitting 75mm below the surface of our pitches.

"The club senior management and ground staff are in regular dialogue on pitch preparation and maintenance procedures with the County FA and we are guided by recommendations from the Grounds Management Association (GMA) and Sport England. 

"Over the last few seasons, their recommendations have been that the club need to improve their maintenance on the pitches and significant investment has been made on machinery and appointing Leicester City Turf Academy to undertake the maintenance regime advised by the GMA.

"The benefits of this were evident last season, but the extent of rain has prevented maintenance being undertaken and resulted in the cancellation of matches and training.

"The club have obtained designs, quotations and applied for grant funding for these works. We await their approval but it is planned that the drainage works will take place after the season has finished, ready for next season.

"In addition, the club have recognised that the junior pitches, soccer school and training areas need some drainage and whilst funding is not available this year, it may follow next year, should the drainage proof to be successful."

But Ivanhoe have made it clear that they will have to spend money to solve the issue.

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The club added: "The above will need significant investment by the club to support any available grants and the AIFC Directors are looking into how the club can make this happen.

"In the meantime, the ground staff will commit to trying to get the senior, junior pitches and soccer and development school areas playable and further updates will follow.

"We hope that you find the above information of interest and shows the club's commitment to everyone associated with the club."