Newark and Sherwood United build for the future at new home in Collingham

The first club meeting of newly-rebranded Newark and Sherwood United FC took place on Tuesday.

They were joined by officials from Collingham FC in a continued spirit of cooperation between the two clubs.

Both clubs will share Collingham’s Station Road ground next season and upgrades are taking place to prepare it for step five-level competition.

“The welcome from Collingham has been fantastic,” said Steff Wright, chairman of Newark and Sherwood United, known as The Highwaymen.

In a positive meeting, various planning considerations were discussed in the meeting with local football development being at the forefront of the discussion.

Kevin Presland said they wanted to see the highest level of football possible played in the district.

Newark and Sherwood assistant manager Dennis Rhule acknowledged the uniqueness of the project they were building at the step five club, while highlighting the importance of being realistic about the tough campaign ahead.

Manager Nathan Arnold talked about the culture being created at the club.

“We are all about creating opportunities for players ­— to extract potential and to help them progress,” he said.

The Highwaymen have recruited several players lately and are determined to build a strong squad for the upcoming season.

The culmination of everything that is occurring at both clubs at the moment is the stand that is currently being constructed. Once complete, it will have seating for 102 people.

Steff Wright said this would help make football more accessible for older fans.

While a practical building, it is also a symbol of the ambition that both clubs possess in their quest to progress.