Waterford FC have signed a 50-year contract with Waterford City and County Council for the continued use of the Regional Sports Centre (RSC) as their home venue.
Waterford FC has played its home games at the RSC since 1993, and after winning promotion to the Premier Division for the 2024 League of Ireland season, is delighted to secure the RSC for the long-term future.
The RSC has been named the League of Ireland Pitch of the Year on multiple occasions, with the state-of-the-art facility having undergone large investment in recent years – most recently the installation of brand-new floodlights at the beginning of this year at a cost of €260,000.
With the dedicated Waterford FC Club Shop a stones-throw away from the RSC, the club is delighted to secure its future at the Cork Road venue.
Speaking on the announcement, Group CEO Steve Curwood said, “It’s vital for Waterford FC to have a very productive relationship with the council; we’re in the early stages of a longer journey so it’s important that we continue to work together in making things happen.
“We have to use promotion as a fabulous platform to plan and develop everything around the football club, and this commitment from both ourselves and the Waterford City and County Council with this long-term agreement is the perfect start.”
Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway welcomed the announcement saying, “On behalf of Waterford City and County, we are delighted that this robust relationship with Waterford FC is set to continue. It was a significant year for the club, one which we all celebrated, and I’m confident the next fifty years will be as significant and exciting for Waterford FC as they begin their topflight League of Ireland journey."
“Waterford FC has put down a great base here at the RSC and we’re delighted with its success. Waterford City and County Council is looking forward to continuing its work in supporting the club. It’s destined to be a symbiotic relationship, great for the city, great for the county, and great for the club.”
Ivan Grimes, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added: “This long-term agreement will not only consolidate our great working relationship with the Board, management, players and fans of Waterford FC, it signals the Local Authority’s commitment to help build a better club.
“The benefits of this agreement are far-reaching as they will permeate through to our sports clubs, our schools, and our communities for many years to come.”
