May 2018
A local football club is putting plans in motion to replace its all-weather pitch for the benefit of its members, thanks to sponsorship from Story Homes.
Ryton and Crawcrook Albion Football Club has served the wider community of Crawcrook, Ryton, Greenside, Prudhoe and surrounding areas for more than 70 years. With 200 children representing two thirds of the membership, the club is home to 16 junior football teams, a soccer school, a ladies’ team and a senior team that plays in the second division of the Northern League.
The club will use our donation to provide a refurbished all-weather playing facility, so that its various teams can continue to train in all weather conditions for years to come.
We have made the donation as part of our ‘Future Story’ scheme, which aims to help charities and community organisations that surround our developments – in this case, Fairfields Manor in Crawcrook. Fairfields Manor, which will consist of 169 high specification homes, has recently welcomed the first families into their new homes on the development.
We accept sponsorship applications via our website all year round, with a regional committee reviewing submissions on a quarterly basis.
Paul LePatourel, who represents the club’s committee, said: “Our objective is to offer a safe and inclusive environment for local children, teenagers and young adults to learn how to play football, with the support of their FA qualified coaches. The club supports progression for all through the development stages of the game, leading onto playing in competitive leagues.
“Our current all-weather pitch is quite old now and the surface is damaged, so we were delighted to receive funding from Story Homes. As a result we can upgrade both the pitch and the perimeter fencing for the safety and enjoyment of our members.”
Ian Worgan, Managing Director for Story Homes in the North East, commented: “We are pleased to support Ryton and Crawcrook Albion Football Club, which is an integral part of the local community and is committed to providing its members with excellent facilities and opportunities.
“We aim to support charities and community groups in ways that add long term value, and therefore we are proud to help clubs like this one that encourage young people to play sports and teach them vital skills for the future.”
