I have been working with AFC Norton Woodseats since 2017 as they negotiate a lease with the Council to take over the Olive Grove site. They have done an amazing job refurbishing the club house, raising nearly a quarter of a million pounds from donations of materials and tradespeople giving their time for nothing. The club house is now a really good community asset and is used by some local charities every week (restrictions allowing)..

All profits, when they can re-open the bar and function room again, are ploughed back into the upkeep of the sports facilities, which host both football and cricket. The committee have just agreed to expand to include two representatives from the Allama Iqbal Sunday Cricket League who rent the cricket pitch on a Sunday and will now get involved in expanding the facilities at the club too. This will also widen the inclusion of the local community which is always welcome.

There is still work to be done on refurbishing the changing rooms, opening a tea room, upgrading the pitches and, of course, finally getting the lease signed and sealed, which we hope to do soon. This is a fantastic example of community action, which I will continue to support.