believe housing and partners help upgrade football facilities in County Durham

A grassroots football club in County Durham is celebrating an upgrade to its facilities, thanks to support from believe housing and its suppliers.

Willington AFC has installed new showers for players and officials at its Hall Lane ground, funded by a £1,000 community investment grant from believe housing. The project was further supported by equipment donations from two of the housing association’s suppliers, Jewson Partnership Solutions and Park Electrical.

The improvements will help the club pursue its ambition to move from the Wearside League to the Northern League, while continuing to serve as a community hub.

Electricians from believe housing’s Repairs Team volunteered to install the showers in the home, away, and officials’ changing rooms. The work was completed in late July, just in time for the new season.

Mark Stewart, Electrical Coordinator at believe housing and a local resident, said: “There’s less going on now, so it’s important to support what’s left, like the club.”

The Hall Lane ground is surrounded by believe housing homes, and the organisation is proud to support projects that enhance the communities it serves.

Carl Whelpdale, Chairman and Club Secretary, said: “After a couple of tough seasons and back-to-back relegations, we’ve bounced back and are now in the Wearside Premier League, aiming to return to the Northern League.
“But to get there, our ground needs to meet league requirements.
“We have a comprehensive programme of improvements to work through and believe housing’s support with the shower upgrades really eases the pressure on our small team of volunteers.
“When the club is thriving, it brings the community together. We support youth football and other local activities, and improvements to the ground help us do even more.”