AFC Norton Woodseats are bringing football home as they move into their new permanent home at Olive Grove.

After more than four years of negotiations and discussions with Sheffield City Council and landowners of Olive Grove, the football club now have a place to call home.

The club currently work with and support more than 250 young people with football skills, and they hope to now expand the offer to even more young people across the city.

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, who has been supporting AFC Norton Woodseats to secure permanent premises, said:

“It’s fantastic news that AFC Norton Woodseats have managed to secure a permanent home. Over the years, they have supported hundreds of young people, both boys and girls to learn not just football skills, but also skills to work together as a team and helped raise their self-esteem.

“They have offered sessions to young people at an affordable price meaning that everyone across the city has the opportunity to take part in events and learn new skills. They certainly are an invaluable part of the community and I’m so proud of the amazing volunteers that have grown the club into a roaring success.

“I know that AFC Norton Woodseats will now move forward and go from strength to strength. Well done to everyone at AFC Norton Woodseats in securing this permanent home.”

Paul Rodgers, Chairman, AFC Norton Woodseats, said:

“I’m delighted that after four years of hard work and negotiations we finally have a place to call home. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this, our partners Centrallians Cricket club, Council officers, Councillors and Louise Haigh MP.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll have more than 150 of our kids playing on the site and almost 200 training on the 2g pitches through the winter. We are looking for support to upgrade our pitches to 4g so that young people can play and train all year round.

“All I’ve ever wanted is to find somewhere local, somewhere safe, and somewhere that the children of our communities can call home and have that strong belief that they are a part of something very special. We now have that, and I couldn’t be prouder.”