Shildon AFC and the local community is set to benefit from a specialist new pitch after it was given the seal of approval by planners.
Durham County Council has approved proposals by Shildon AFC to install a brand new 3G surface at its Dean Street ground.
The replacement of the grass pitch, subject to Football Foundation funding, will start in June.
It will not only bring huge benefits to the Northern League club, including preventing games being cancelled due to bad weather, it will also be a huge boost to the region, offering a potential year-round home for more than 50 teams, including women’s and girls’ teams, youth and disabled teams and will improve wider sporting and recreational facilities for local people, teams and schools, offering a safe, social space.
Club chairman, David Dent, said: “This is a huge result for Shildon AFC but also for the local area, which is at the heart of our club.
“We really listen to local wants and needs and the new facility will meet much of that, including an enhanced year-round pitch, but also wider opportunities to use the club’s other facilities too.
“It goes without saying that we’re thrilled to see our application passed and we now await approval of our funding bid into the Football Foundation, which is expected over the next few weeks. We are on course to have this ready for our teams and wider area for the 25/26 season.”
The new facility will also boost the local economy, bringing more visitors to the town, as well as support improved health and wellbeing, inclusivity and diversity.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
