A new football team will be based at the Herts FA headquarters in Letchworth Garden City this season. Baldock Town are playing their first team home matches at the County Ground in 2008-09. In recognition of this move and to closer reflect the club s spon

A new football team will be based at the Herts FA headquarters in Letchworth Garden City this season.

Baldock Town are playing their first team home matches at the County Ground in 2008-09.

In recognition of this move and to closer reflect the club's sponsorship and growing membership from both Letchworth GC and its origins of Baldock Town Youth, the club has taken the decision to rename to Baldock Town Letchworth.

Town, who have just been promoted to the Premier Division of the Herts Senior County League, started searching for a new venue as soon as they were aware that promotion last season was a reality and that their current venue at Knights Templar could not support playing football at the higher level.

As there are no senior pitches available in Baldock, the club took the decision to also move their reserve and A teams to play at the Grange in Letchworth GC.

Baldock Town chairman Philip Mills said: "This is an important move forward for the club and helps us put a firm step on the football ladder.

"There is still a lot of work to do too, but in the meantime we would like to thank the Herts FA and the local Baldock councillors who have worked with us to make this possible.

"Recent publicity and support from The Comet and local radio is also much appreciated.

"We, together with the Herts FA, see this as an exciting opportunity where we can look forward to greater opportunities and progress for both entities in the future."

None of this would have been possible though without the backing of the club's main sponsors - Arena Security.

The Letchworth-based company have been sponsoring the club since its reformation in 2003 and at the club's recent presentation ceremony, Arena Security's Steve Gibson said they had agreed a deal to sponsor Baldock Town Letchworth FC for a further three years.

Press officer Lee Rusbridge added: "Since 2003 the club has gone from strength to strength on the pitch and the move to the County Ground is a reward for all the hard work put in over the past few seasons. Our main sponsor Arena Security has played a massive part in this success and everyone at the club is extremely grateful for their continued support."

Rusbridge continued: "The move to the County Ground is a great opportunity for both our players and supporters and we hope it will increase our fan base where supporters can now watch football in the comfort of a first-class stadium.

"The move will also give us the opportunity to, once again, involve the local youth with senior football, and they will be invited to act as ball boys (managers can apply on behalf of the teams) or as a mascot at home matches.

"The club also intend to offer free season tickets for all home league matches to all youth club registered players (up to under-14), provided they are accompanied by an adult.

"Both team managers and youth players are invited to apply for either a season ticket, act as ball boys or being a mascot, by emailing the club on info@baldocktownfc.co.uk."

The new season kicks off this Saturday as manager Steve King and his side travel to Bovingdon.

The first home match at the County Ground will be on Saturday, August 30, when Town entertain Codicote (3pm ko) in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division.

If you would like to volunteer and assist, contact info@baldocktownfc.co.uk or if you wish to find out further details, you can also visit www.baldocktownfc.co.uk