Maidstone hire out their 3G pitch to increase income, with around 1,000 people each week using the club’s £5m facilities on the banks of the River Medway.
The Stones played their first match back in their home town following an absence of 24 years in 2012 after the completion of the 4,200-capacity Gallagher Stadium.
Two years earlier the club had been laden with around £350,000 of debt and almost went out of business.
“There was no money,” co-owner Oliver Ash, a chartered surveyor and economics graduate, recalled.
“The club was within one or two weeks of going under.”
Businessman Terry Casey, a lifelong fan, came on board with Ash and the joint-owners have since stabilised Maidstone’s finances – although the club is seeking new investment., external
“We have lots of community teams, an award-winning disability section, a thriving women’s section and 2,000 fans coming to home games,” added Ash, who lives in France and is a shareholder and director at French Top 14 rugby union side Brive.
“We also have 50 students in a full-time academy based at the club.”
