Planning for Growth with Modeshift STARS

Real Bedford FC, a fast-growing football club based in Bedford, has experienced remarkable progress in recent years. Starting at Step Six of the English football league system, ten levels below the Premier League, the club has now climbed to Step Three in consecutive seasons. With ambitions to eventually become the first Bedford-based club to reach the English Football League, their infrastructure, especially travel and transport planning, must keep pace with their aspirations.

From an average attendance of just 20–25 people, matchdays now regularly attract around 350 fans, with some matches drawing in 700-1400 spectators. Plans are being developed to provide a 5,000+ capacity stadium in the future, but such plans take time. With only 250 car parking spaces being currently available and limited public transport serving their rural location, Real Bedford FC faces the challenge of accommodating increased footfall while ensuring community safety and minimising car use.

As part of a planning application to expand and relocate, the club required a robust Travel Plan and turned to Modeshift for a STARS Accreditation to help shape their strategy.

The Experience

For Club Secretary, Neil McCormack, the early stages of the matchday travel strategy felt daunting. However, the structured support and expertise offered by Modeshift quickly provided reassurance.

‘Modeshift’s experience is invaluable. We’re not starting from scratch. The Travel Plan gives us a clear framework. It’s a live document, well structured, and the system makes it easy to explore different options through the dropdowns. It’s incredibly useful.’

With active travel options like walking and cycling being built into the stadium plans, and a fan travel survey in the pipeline, the club is already embedding sustainable transport solutions into its growth strategy.

The value of Modeshift’s support is evident. The #TeamModeshift community has left a lasting impression.

‘What’s stood out to me is the energy and focus of everyone involved. You can see people are genuinely enthusiastic about the cause. That enthusiasm is infectious – it keeps us motivated and moving forward.’

Neil also highlighted the Working Group sessions as a key benefit – he’s looking forward to making use of these, getting peer support and best practice sharing.

The Results (So Far)

Though still in the development phase, Real Bedford FC’s use of Modeshift STARS has already:

• Established a strategic framework for future transport planning.
• Helped the club demonstrate credibility and foresight in their planning application.
• Enhanced relationships with the local council, who recognise the value of having a nationally respected scheme like Modeshift involved.

Importantly, the Travel Plan is more than a compliance tool. It’s become a vision for fan travel and community safety as the club continues to grow.

Conclusion and endorsement

Neil wholeheartedly recommends Modeshift STARS to other growing organisations, especially those navigating planning constraints or seeking a structured approach to travel and transport strategy.

‘Having Modeshift on board gives our plans real kudos. It’s a well-known scheme and the system is intuitive. It’s given us confidence and clarity, which is exactly what you need when planning for growth.’