In early 2020, The Football Foundation offered funding, to improve pitches across the country, that were used by Youth Football clubs, but owned by Town and County Councils. Newton Aycliffe Youth FC as an FA Charter Standard Community Club, were invited to apply for a grant by Durham FA, to fund improvements to the Oakleaf Pitches. After discussions with Great Aycliffe Town Council, Officers and Council members, the go ahead was given for the football club to apply for funding. This was for a 10 year project to improve all the pitches at the Oakleaf that would be funded, primarily by the football foundation but would also require a financial input from the football club. In early April we were advised that our application had been successful and we awarded £45,000. Then the preparation started, as we invited contractors to tender for the work. Eventually the project was started at the end of May on the 10 year journey to improve the pitches for the boys and girls of Newton Aycliffe Youth FC, to play their football.
Martin Smails, Chairman commented “the club has always invested in our coaches, to ensure they get the best qualifications and training, to coach our players to a high standard. This grant will ensure that the players will be playing on top quality pitches.”
Berni Borsberry, Secretary commented “The hard work of the Great Aycliffe Town Council, works department over the years, has given us the best possible pitches to play our football. The funding for a 10 year pitch improvement project, will ensure we will have some of the best grass pitches in County Durham, for our boys and girls to develop their skills and play their matches.
