Posted on Tuesday 23rd September 2025
Ben Alcock at Stafford Rangers' Stan Robinson Stadium
A historic Staffordshire football club is celebrating its 150th year with new energy and cost-saving floodlights thanks to a county council grant.
Stafford Rangers’ latest ground improvement is a full state-of-the art LED floodlight upgrade – made possible through the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS), a Staffordshire County Council led scheme helping businesses become more energy efficient.
With matchday lights now brighter, cleaner and more cost-effective than ever, the switch is set to save £2,995 a year by reducing energy use by over 10,500 kWh.
But for business development manager and lifelong supporter Ben Alcock, this project is about more than just energy savings.
Ben said:
I’ve supported Stafford Rangers since I was eight years old. It’s in my blood. Being part of the Business Development Group now means I can give something back – not just to the club, but to the whole community we serve. Every pound we save on energy can go straight into improving the club – from better facilities to more community use.”
2025 is a landmark year for the club, with 150th anniversary celebrations in full swing. From a newly unveiled gold-trim home strip to a fan-developed history mural and exhibition, the club is honouring its legacy while investing in its future.
The BEAS grant – which covered 50% of the £17,700 lighting upgrade – was secured following a free on-site energy assessment arranged through Staffordshire County Council. The report recommended a series of energy-saving measures, including solar PV, new thermostat controls, and more efficient cooling equipment.
The LED floodlights were prioritised, not only for their financial impact, but because they improve light quality on the pitch and reduce light spillage to nearby homes.
Ben added:
The new lights are incredible – more energy efficient, better for the environment, and better for our neighbours. They’ll really come into their own as the nights draw in.”
The savings the Northern Premier League Division One West club make will now mean it has more money to reinvest in visitor facilities, community projects, and the matchday experience for fans and players.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said:
Businesses and organisations like Stafford Rangers FC are a prime example of what makes this county so special and central to making Staffordshire the beating heart of the UK economy.
By helping organisations improve their energy efficiency, we’re not just cutting bills — we’re creating the conditions for local community enterprise to grow and thrive. That’s exactly what the BEAS scheme is here to do. We wish the club every success for the season ahead.”
The Staffordshire Business Energy Advice Scheme continues to offer free independent energy audits and grants to eligible Staffordshire SMEs looking to save energy, reduce costs, or make their premises more sustainable.
Business can find out more or register their interest at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/BEAS, email lowcarbon@staffordshire.gov.uk or call 01785 854500
Watch: Ben Alcock at Stafford Rangers FC talking about the new lighting and how its already benefiting the club and the wider community.