UK Stadiums: Boston Community Stadium, Boston, Lincolnshire
Boston Community Stadium (Jakemans Community Stadium for sponsorship reasons) in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, is the home ground of Boston United. The club has played at the stadium since its construction in 2020. Previously the club played at the now derelict York Street (Shodfriars Lane).
Capacity & Stadium Facts
The stadium has a present capacity of 5,061.
The playing surface is natural grass with floodlights. The record attendance was 3,865 for a game against Wealdstone in 2025.
Stands
There are four stands: the North Stand (Town End), South Stand (not yet completed), East Stand (Optic-Kleer Stand) and West Stand (Acorn Taxis Stand).
Club History
The team are nicknamed "The Pilgrims" and were formed in 1933 in the Lincolnshire market town of Boston. The club quickly established itself as one of the strongest non-league teams in the country, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, when they enjoyed success in the Midland League and gained a reputation for giant-killings in the FA Cup. Boston reached the Football League in 2002 after winning the Conference, though the promotion was marred by financial irregularities. In the 2004-2005 season the Pilgrims reached the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in over 30 years. Altogether, the club spent five seasons in League Two (they finished 11th in the 2005-2006 season) before being relegated following a defeat in the last game of the season in 2007, partly due to off-field financial troubles with players and staff going unpaid for the final two months of the season.
Since then, Boston United have rebuilt steadily as a well-supported non-league side, playing at their new home, the Jakemans Community Stadium, since 2020, and continuing to aim for a return to the higher tiers of English football.
Players
In the early years, legendary striker Jim Kabia became a fan favourite during the 1970s and 80s with his prolific goal scoring (101 goals in 240 games). The club also enjoyed the talents of Paul Bastock, a record-breaking goalkeeper who made over 600 appearances for the Pilgrims in two spells at the club and is regarded as one of their greatest ever players. More recently, figures such as Jason Lee, who had a long professional career in the Football League and Premier League most notably with Nottingham Forest before joining Boston, and Daryl Clare, a key striker during the club's rise to the Football League, have stood out.
Managers
Boston United have been guided by a number of well-known managers who helped shape the club's fortunes. Jim Smith, who later managed clubs such as Birmingham City, Oxford United and Derby County, cut his managerial teeth with the Pilgrims between 1969 to 1972 as player manager and is remembered as one of their most influential early bosses. Steve Evans is another high-profile figure who had two spells at the club, leading Boston to the Conference title in 2002 and into the Football League, although his tenure was overshadowed by financial controversy. Later managers such as Graham Drury, Dennis Greene, and Craig Elliott kept the club competitive in non-league football, while Paul Hurst, who went on to manage both Grimsby Town and Shrewsbury, also spent time in charge between 2009 and 2011.
Access - Getting There
The ground is in Wyberton southwest of Boston town center. The ground is a not particularly pleasant 40-minute walk from Boston Station. A shuttle bus operates on match days from the bus station/Len Medlock Centre to the stadium via Boots in the Market Place and the Quayside Hotel on London Road. Local Brylaine bus services B13 and K58 are also fairly convenient for getting to the stadium.
Boston railway station is on the Grantham to Skegness Line. There are trains to Nottingham via Grantham.
The ground is off the A17 south of Boston. There is no parking at the stadium except for permit holders.
Information
Address: The Quadrant, Pilgrim Way, Wyberton PE21 7NE
Nearby Hotels
If you wish to stay in Boston try the 3-star The Stanley Hotel on the High Street or the 4-star Quayside Hotel & Bar.
See here for a complete listing of accommodation options in Boston.
More UK Stadiums
Kirklees Stadium (John Smith's Stadium)
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