First sod turned for clubhouse project

The new Poppleton Tigers Juniors FC clubhouse at Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, near York, will boast four changing rooms, with meeting and training facilities, as well as officials' changing rooms, a kitchen and toilets.

York City manager Gary Mills will turn the first sod at a special ceremony this afternoon to mark the start of building.

Val Duggan, club secretary at Poppleton Juniors FC, said: "It is great for the club and for sport across the whole area that

work on the new clubhouse has begun.

"Poppleton Juniors are also delighted to welcome York City manager Gary Mills to help commemorate the start of building works on our new clubhouse.

"We know that Gary's schedule is extremely busy so we are especially grateful to him for finding the time to join our celebration.

"It is being paid for by around 500,000 of grants including money pledged from Upper Poppleton and Nether Poppleton parish councils.

"We hope to have the new clubhouse ready in time for next season – it will be a brilliant addition to the club."

The project was also funded by a 225,000 grant from the Football Foundation and an additional grant of 150,000 from the Football Association,

Yuri Matischen, Sport England's champion for community sport in Yorkshire, said: "If community sports clubs want to attract and retain participants, they need to be able to offer quality facilities for everyone.

"That's why Sport England's so delighted to be funding the new facilities at Poppleton Tigers Junior Football Club.

"We know that this new clubhouse will be welcomed by the club's 300 regular users, including Poppleton Girls and Ladies, and those who are new to football."