Welling United CEO, Paul Barnes, has shared the following update regarding stadium improvements with player safety in mind at Park View Road:
As many of our supporters and the wider football community will be aware, following the tragic passing of Chichester City player Billy Vigar, the FA and all relevant leagues – including the Isthmian League – initiated a nationwide review process relating to stadium health and safety, with a particular focus on pitch-side perimeter walls and barriers.
The purpose of this process is to ensure that every club receives clear recommendations and guidance on how to access appropriate funding and specialist support so that facilities can be assessed, upgraded, or redesigned where necessary. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that stadiums are safe, compliant, and proactively working with authorities to prevent any future accidents or tragedies of this nature.
On 1st December, the Isthmian League circulated the following update, inviting all clubs to begin the next phase of this review:
Pitch Perimeter Walls – Review Update (Isthmian League)
Following a procurement process, the FA has appointed Marsh, a global leader in insurance and risk advisory, as the official partner to support the national perimeter wall and barrier review. Marsh Risk Consulting, an internal division specialising in sports-sector risk management, will be leading the project.
The review will follow a phased approach:
Phase 1 involves an in-depth research process, including a national survey to collect detailed information on any incidents involving player collisions with perimeter walls or barriers since the start of the 2022/23 season.
All National League System clubs have been invited to complete this survey, which will inform future safety recommendations and mitigation strategies.
No personal player data will be collected.
Survey Information
Clubs are asked to provide:
- Club name
- Number of player collision incidents since 2022/23 (home or away)
- Up to 10 detailed incident reports
- Location of incident (home/away)
- Name of ground (if away)
- Area of pitch where the incident occurred
- Player’s position at time of excursion
- Type of fixed structure collided with
- Injury location
- Medical treatment required
- Any further concerns or information regarding perimeter barriers
Why this matters:
This data will directly shape national safety recommendations and ensure that new standards reflect the real experiences of clubs and players across the NLS. It is vital that all clubs — even those with no recorded incidents — complete the survey.
Deadline:
The survey is open for 14 days from Monday 1st December 2025, closing at 5pm on Monday 15th December 2025.
Next Steps for Welling United FC
Welling United will be attending an online meeting with Marsh on Thursday 11th December for a detailed briefing on the review process.
A full stadium inspection and grounds assessment will take place at Park View Road on Wednesday 17th December, as part of the next formal step in the procedure.
We will keep our supporters fully informed of the outcomes of these meetings and inspections, and we remain committed to working closely with the Isthmian League, the FA, and their appointed partners to ensure that our stadium continues to provide a safe, compliant, and welcoming environment for all.
