Dunkirk Football Club is proud to announce that Empire Scaffolding has extended its incredible support by securing the naming rights to our home ground. Formerly known as the Ron Steel Sports Ground, it will now be called the Empire Sports Ground, marking a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with Empire.

Empire Scaffolding, a highly successful Nottingham business, has been a pillar of support for Dunkirk FC for over 10 years, with Claire Kelliher-Smith leading the way in championing grassroots football. Through various sponsorships over the years, Empire has played a key role in helping the club grow and thrive, and we are thrilled to see this commitment continue.

Empire’s Impact on Nottingham and Beyond
Empire Scaffolding is renowned for its work on some of Nottingham’s most iconic structures, including:

The Council House Dome
Sir John Robinson House
Nottingham Castle
Broadmarsh Car Park

Plus the The London Olympics to name a few

Their dedication to the local community goes beyond their industry, and their continued investment in grassroots football is proof of their passion for supporting the next generation of footballers.

More Than Just a Football Club
Football clubs like Dunkirk FC are more than just teams on a pitch. They provide a pathway for young players, helping kids form friendships, learn teamwork, and develop valuable life skills through a shared love of the game. Without the support of local businesses like Empire Scaffolding, clubs like ours would struggle to keep the gates open. Their generosity ensures that we can continue to provide opportunities for players of all ages, from our senior teams down to our youngest prospects.

A Shared Commitment to the Community
Empire’s dedication to supporting grassroots sports aligns closely with the values of another incredible local initiative—the Harby Foundation. Founded in 2020 in memory of Jordan Harbottle, a beloved cousin of Claire Kelliher-Smith, he was a passionate sportsman whose love for helping others continues to inspire the work of the foundation today. The foundation was established to help underprivileged young people access sports across Nottinghamshire.

Dunkirk has hosted the Harby Foundation Day for the last few years and is scheduled to hold the event again this year, date to be confirmed.

The event brought the community together with a fantastic mix of activities, including:

Bouncy castle and fun house
Face painting
Tombola, raffle, and auction
Barbecue and live music

It was a day filled with football, fun, and fundraising—all in the spirit of giving young people greater access to the game they love.

We will update you when we have the confirmation date for the next event when we will once again come together to celebrate Jordan’s legacy and raise vital funds for the Harby Foundation.

A Huge Thank You to Empire Scaffolding
Dunkirk FC would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Empire Scaffolding and Claire Kelliher-Smith for their unwavering support. Their sponsorship means the world to us, and we are incredibly proud to welcome everyone to the newly named Empire Sports Ground.

Acknowledging the Hard Work Behind the Scenes
A partnership of this scale doesn’t happen overnight, and we want to extend a special thank you to Murphy Lennon (Commercial Manager) and Steve Throssell (Operations Director) at Dunkirk FC. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in making this a reality, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to the club.

For more about Empire Scaffolding and their work, visit:

Website: Empire Scaffolding
Email: info@empirescaffolding.co.uk
Facebook: Empire Scaffolding Facebook

Here’s to another decade of football, friendship, and community spirit at Empire Sports Ground!