THE changing rooms at Mutford & Wrentham FC are to receive an ‘invaluable’ upgrade.

The club have received a £2,025 Football Foundation grant to carry out refurbishment work on their clubhouse (pictured above) costing a total of £2,700.

The roof of the changing rooms, which have been on site for 20 years at their ground on Wrentham Playing Field, was damaged in the recent storms.

Barrie Atkins, who is in charge of fundraising and also the club’s part-time groundsman, said the changing room roof had been taking in water.

He said: “We repaired half the roof last year with money raised by ourselves but since the storm a few weeks ago it has pulled the other half up and work is needed as the ceiling is taking in water.

“The grant is invaluable as without it the likelihood was moving to a council pitch until we could raise the funds needed.”

Work is planned to start in late March or early April and should take only two or three days.

Barrie continued: “The balance of the money is coming from a donation made to the club from a lifetime supporter, Mr Dyer, who wanted to see the club stay on the site.

“He previously played for the club, was then secretary and is known to the current players as ‘Mr Wrentham’.”

Mutford & Wrentham, who are due to face Cavendish in the semi-finals of the Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup later this month, currently run two adult teams.

Their first team play in Division Four of the Anglian Combination League and their Reserves in the First Division of the Lowestoft & District league.

Barrie added: “The Football Foundation are really great people to deal with; the process is very strict but very friendly to work through the application forms online.

“They help in any way possible to ensure we have the correct number of quotes and they are in date. The process takes no more than two weeks.

“I am always happy to help or guide other clubs with the process even if it is a phone call to check they are doing the right thing.”

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings said: “Clubs can apply for up to £25,000 through the Football Foundation Small Grants Scheme.

“Anything from goalposts and fencing to machinery, refurbishments, the small grants can support clubs in Suffolk. Get in touch and with the support of the County FA, clubs can apply now.”

Any clubs interested in applying for Football Foundation funding should contact Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings on 07432 735961 or via email matt.stebbings@suffolkfa.com