Following three promotions in eight seasons, including a dramatic final-day title in 2024/25 clinched by a single goal, Horsham FC are now playing in the National League South - the highest level in their 144-year history. As the Premier League Stadium Fund marks its 25th anniversary, we explore how its investment has helped the Hornets soar.

"It's the buzz… we're an unexpectedly successful side," says Director of Facilities Pete Tanner, reflecting on an attendance that has exploded alongside the club's rise.

"A decade ago, we were without our own home, ground-sharing with different local teams, playing county level football and attracting about 120 fans," Tanner continues. 

"That's where the Premier League Stadium Fund came in – providing us with £135,000 to help more than triple our capacity with two new covered stands and extending the covered stand behind the goal."

Horsham Director of Facilities, Pete Tanner

"Our average crowd this season is more than 10 times that: 1,400. We've beaten Torquay United at home and Dagenham & Redbridge away – these are huge, historic teams. 

"We built our stadium to accommodate 500 to 600 fans, which we've happily outgrown. That's where the Premier League Stadium Fund came in – providing us with £135,000 to help more than triple our capacity with two new covered stands and extending the covered stand behind the goal.

"The money also helped to get bigger dugouts and extra turnstiles, which we've needed to meet the requirements to play at this level."

Launched in 2000, the Premier League Stadium Fund has distributed more than £220 million to transform matchday experiences across the men's and women's football pyramid.

Manager Dom Di Paola has overseen 11 seasons at the club and witnessed the impact first-hand.

"Having this facility is massive for us. When I first arrived, the club was homeless, but as we've gone up through the leagues, we've progressed the ground and built it out to meet our needs.

"It's a good surface. We train here, too. We have some players who've been here for five, six, seven years – and that consistency has helped us – but we have also been able to attract some very good new players with the facility.

"We are well supported. It's always a friendly atmosphere, with a lot of young families coming down. The fans get to know the players, get to meet them, which works both ways and is positive for us all."

Club Director Mark Butler highlights just how vital outside support has been for a fan-owned club with no wealthy backers.

"Horsham FC is a fan-owned club and we are all in it for the love, with a fantastic group of volunteers. We're very proud of what we've built, but we don't have great fortunes in the background, so funding from the Premier League is vital and has been transformative in expanding our stadium.

"We've got a great catchment area – located somewhere half-way between Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion, so that helps us with attracting local players and fans. We pride ourselves on creating a very welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere and offering a football fix closer to home."