[A] 2-1 home win against West Auckland Town in the FA Cup was a great way for Penrith AFC to christen their new pitch on Saturday 5 August, as Club officials were joined by Eden District Council Leader Kevin Beaty, Communities Portfolio Holder Elaine Martin and Resources Portfolio Holder, Paula Breen for the first game of the new season at the Frenchfield Park Stadium.
The District Council has recently worked in partnership with Penrith AFC to fund, procure and supervise the works to renovate the playing surface at the Frenchfield Stadium, on the outskirts of Penrith.
The Council approved a budget of £18,265 and appointed contractor Duncan Ross Ltd to carry out the works which were undertaken in May of this year.
Eden District Council’s Communities Portfolio Holder, Elaine Martin, said: “I was delighted to be invited to attend Penrith AFC’s FA Cup game on Saturday and see the team win their first home game of the season. The pitch looked fantastic despite Saturday’s heavy rain showers. Since the pitch works have been completed the Council’s Leisure Team has been successful in applying for a grant of £9,132 from the Football Stadium Improvement Fund to help offset half the cost of the works.
“The Council are very pleased with the outcome of the pitch works and hope the new surface enables the Club to fulfil as many fixtures as possible at Frenchfield Park this season. We wish the ‘Bonny Blues’ every success for this season.”
The Secretary of Penrith AFC, Ian White said: “Saturday was a great day for the Club. The pitch was immaculate, despite the somewhat inclement weather. The work enabled us to play the style of football we aspire to, but which proved virtually impossible, in previous seasons, and resulted in a notable victory over high-spending West Auckland Town, before a bumper crowd. Hopefully the rich entertainment on display, will help to encourage increased attendances. We are extremely grateful to both the Football Foundation and Eden District Council, for their financial support, which has enabled the much needed work to be carried out.”
For more information about Penrith AFC visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/penrithafc
Funding for Community Clubs Sports – Eden Community Fund
If you are a local sports club and new funds to buy new equipment then why not apply to the Eden Community Fund? If you need a new lawn mower to keep the pitch pristine? New showers in the club house or funds to help finance a forthcoming event? Make sure your visit www.eden.gov.uk/communityfund before the 8 September 2017 to apply.
