The dream of playing football under the lights has come true for a Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club team thanks to the generous support of a sponsor.

The club had always wanted to enter sides into midweek floodlit leagues, but was unable to do so due to the first team’s grass pitch at Woodside Park being too precious.

However, the installation of an artificial playing surface at the renamed Grundon Community Stadium over the summer has given the green light.

The decision was taken to enter the under-17s, who compete in the Eastern Junior Alliance on Sundays, in the Thurlow Nunn midweek league to give their strongest players the opportunity for a different challenge.

It also ties in with the club’s commitment to provide a clear pathway, with the ultimate aim being to see players progress into the under-23s and, ultimately, the first team.

The club did not want to pass the increased costs of the additional football onto parents, so businesses were approached for help and London Road-based ITVET stepped up to the mark.

“Their sponsorship made the long-held dream of football under the lights a reality and for this we’re incredibly grateful,” said a club spokesperson.

As well as sponsoring the midweek league team, the technology solutions provider has also contributed sponsorship to the new Bishop’s Stortford Ladies team.