When the floodlights at Boston United’s old ground came down at the end of last month, there was a personal connection behind the project.

The Pilgrims’ old York Street home is in the process of being cleared to make way for a £24.9m community diagnostic centre.

The removal of the floodlights was completed by Lincolnshire business ECIS (East Coast Infrastructure Services).

Kieron Major, ECIS managing director, said: “At ECIS, we have extensive experience delivering specialist access solutions and working on major National Grid projects across the UK. Being selected to contribute to such an important local development was something we were incredibly proud of.”

Scenes from the removal of the old York Street floodlights, courtesy of ECIS (left), Shaun Stark, of Boston, (top right), and Boston United legend Chris Cook (bottom right).

placeholder image — Scenes from the removal of the old York Street floodlights, courtesy of ECIS (left), Shaun Stark, of Boston, (top right), and Boston United legend Chris Cook (bottom right).

However, as Kieron explained, there was a childhood connection at play with this project.

“Working at York Street was especially meaningful to me, because it holds so many childhood memories,” he said. “I played for Boston United Juniors at the old Peter Paine training ground and was fortunate enough to play in a cup final on the York Street pitch.

“I also spent many match nights there with my Grandad, who lived in Mareham le Fen. He had his own connection to the club, having played at York Street many years ago while representing Mareham le Fen.

“As a child, I can still remember seeing the York Street floodlights from a distance and feeling excited because I knew it was match night. Like many local youngsters, we also had the privilege of playing on the pitch at half-time during Boston United matches. Those are memories that have stayed with me ever since.”

Kieron started ECIS just over two years ago. Today, it employs 20 people, operating from Bicker Fen, Metheringham, and Navenby.

“Throughout the project, we enjoyed speaking with local residents who stopped to watch the work,” he said. “We were pleased to tell them that the specialist installation was being carried out by a local company that shares the community’s passion and pride for Boston United and York Street.”

“As part of our commitment to giving something back, ECIS will donate £250 to the Boston United Foundation,” Kieron added. “We will also be offering Boston United a discounted installation of a commercial solar energy system to help support the club's future sustainability.”