AFC STONEHAM have an illuminating night planned for next Tuesday (August 1).

The Sydenhams Wessex One club have invited Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, along for the official unveiling of their brand new floodlights at the newly-named HP Arena in Chestnut Avenue.

The big switch-on will take place at half-time of the eagerly-awaited pre-season friendly against National League neighbours Eastleigh (7.45pm kick-off).

Stoneham chairman Mark Stupple said: “We are extremely grateful to both Richard Hill and Ray Murphy at Eastleigh for arranging the game which will undoubtedly be a great experience for our players.

“In addition to the main game we will be holding a demonstration at 6.15pm of our youngest teams, ranging from age 6-9, for local supporters to view, hopefully, our stars of the future.

“Next season AFC Stoneham will field 30 teams in our colours as we continue to grow and develop our club further.”

The floodlight project was made possible by a £28,323 grant from the Premier League, delivered by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).

The new lights will help the club meet the FA National Ground Grading Criteria required for their current Step 6 position in the National League System.

Stupple explained: "The funding and support from the FSIF was vital in being able to install brand new lights costing £40,000.

"This will enable the club to grow further and we are hoping to take the new lights to our new facility in three years.

"We thank Mims Davies for joining us on the night and agreeing to officially switch the new lights on."

Stoneham have been in talks with both the Football Association and Eastleigh Borough Council with regards to a new ground.

They have to vacate their current home within three years due to the North Stoneham housing development.

In the meantime The Purples have attracted 14 new sponsors over the summer, the icing on the cake being HP Contracts of Chandler's Ford.

Anyone interested in sponsoring AFC Stoneham can contact Stupple on 07764 882966.

Entry to the Eastleigh game is £6 adults (including programme), £3 concessions, £2 under-16s and under-12s free with a fee-paying adult.

*Funded with £5.2 million each year from the Premier League, the FSIF is the country's largest provider of grants towards projects that help improve the comfort and safety of lower league football grounds in both the professional and amateur game.

"These improvements range from new football stands and turnstiles to floodlighting and improved provision for disabled supporters.