Nottingham Outlaws secure permanent home
Nottingham Outlaws have acquired the former Greenwood Meadows football ground on Lenton Lane to secure the club’s long-term future.
The Outlaws have had a nomadic existence over the past 30 years and have finally found a permanent home.
They have purchased the assets from the now defunct Midlands Premier League football club and have signed a 40-year ground lease with Nottingham City Council.
The Outlaws’ new home occupies a six acre site, prime land just off the ring road close to other sporting facilities with excellent transport links and less than a ten minute drive from the city centre. The new, enclosed ground includes a licensed clubhouse and changing rooms, parking for over 200 cars, training areas, floodlights, covered standing and seated areas.
Chairman Richard Johnson said: “Rugby league has been played in the city for over 30 years and in that time we have never had a long term base. Now we have finally realised our ambitions and we believe this move will be a catalyst for the growth of the game in the East Midlands.
“We started raising money more than four years ago through our Project 30 fundraising. I know it’s been a struggle but Im delighted to say we finally got there thanks to all those who contributed. Indeed, I hope that our benefactors will all come down to the ground, see what they have contributed towards, watch some rugby league and have a drink in the new clubhouse.”
The move gives further scope to expand the club’s successful women’s, youth and juniors sections, and also provide long-term security through the ability to generate income. Additionally, Lenton Lane’s proximity with both University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent means the Outlaws can further develop close links with both university RL clubs.
The club hopes the move will enable them to be successful in the Yorkshire Leagues and longer-term, in the National Conference League.
Their first game at Lenton Lane is on Saturday April 28 in the Yorkshire Premier League against East Hull.
