OFFICIALS at West Auckland Town FC are celebrating the opening of their new clubhouse, which has been built with the help of a £100,000 grant from the Football Association.
Construction has been carried out throughout the Covid-19 crisis by Evenwood-based CA Group, with fitting out done by local tradespeople including electrician Richard Wade, joiner Chris Race and plasterer Lee Curtis.
In addition, the Gaunless Gateway provided funding for the roller shutters
The new facility will be known as West Auckland Sports Bar and it welcomed its first customers in time for the football team’s programme of pre-season friendlies.
The club boasts a large function room and bar, a separate room and bar for match-day hospitality and a kitchen with hatch to provide outdoor catering to fans.
West Auckland Town FC general manager Stuart Alderson said that in addition to the FA grant, support from sponsors along with help in kind and the efforts of volunteers had ensured the new clubhouse had been completed.
“There are just one or two little odds and ends to finish off and then we will get the logo on the side of the building,” he said.
Mr Alderson said he was pleased with what the new club was able to offer.
He stressed the facilities were not just for the football club but were available for the community.
“It’s for everyone in the village. It needs to be used. It’s no good standing empty,” he said.
“We have already got three weddings booked in for then end of July and August and it’s come together just in time for the pre-season games and the Euro 2020 championships.”
Taking charge behind the bar is Katie Reah, who lives in West Auckland and has volunteered at the club for the past 20 years.
“I have always wanted to do it and I really want to make it work.
“There were a lot of people who used to come here – we had some brilliant nights – and it’s been great seeing a lot of familiar faces coming back in.”
For more details on the new clubhouse and bookings, contact Cliffy Alderson on 07811 849672.
