A SUFFOLK Youth football club’s pavilion is to receive a makeover costing more than £24,000.

Needham Market Youth FC have been awarded a grant of £18,175 to carry out improvements costing £24,234 to their Crowley Park pavilion.

The grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, will enable the club to upgrade their pavilion

which was built in 1978.

Work is expected to start within the next three or four weeks on a new kitchen, toilets and changing rooms to bring them up to modern standards.

Gavin Griggs, the club’s chairman, said the improvements will sustain the club’s future and hopefully attract new members.

The club run a total of 14 teams, with mixed teams from under-7s to under-8s and an adult side, catering for 220 plus players.

The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity and exists to improve the experience of playing football for everyone, by championing fair access to quality facilities.

Needham Market Youth FC worked with the Football Foundation and Suffolk FA to secure a £18,175 grant towards the project.

Gavin Griggs said: “From all with in the club, we would like to express our thanks to the Football Foundation for the grant, without it we would have no chance of renovating the pavilion.”

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said: “Congratulations to all parties involved in this successful bid to the Football Foundation to support the renovations of the pavilion at Crowley Park.

“I’m sure the improvements will go a long way in supporting Needham Market Youth Football Club’s tenure at the site and ensure that can continue to provide a great experience for the many members of the community they support to play football locally.”

Robert Sullivan, Interim Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We know the huge benefits playing regular football can have on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. 

“That’s why we’re committed to transforming the face of grassroots football facilities in this country.  It’s therefore very welcome news to hear that this funding will support Needham Market Youth FC in developing the renovation of Crowley Park pavilion for their local community.

“Working with our partners – the Premier League, The FA, government and Sport England – we will be investing in over £1bn worth of local facilities across the country over the next decade.  

“We believe we can transform lives and strengthen communities by unlocking the power of pitches and this is another project that brings us closer to that ultimate goal.”

Two other clubs have also received Football Foundation grants towards new goal posts.

Moreton Hall Youth FC have been awarded £2,160 towards goal posts costing £2,880 at Moreton Hall Youth Centre in Bury St Edmunds.

Bourne Vale Youth FC have been granted £1,080 towards goal posts costing £1,440 at Bourne Vale Sports Club in Ipswich.