FOOTBALL: Bottesford FC’s new clubhouse receives financial backing from FA

Plans to build a village football club a much-needed new home have taken a huge step forward thanks to a Football Association grant.

The FA’s Football Foundation has agreed to give Bottesford FC more than half the cost of the development at its Nottingham Road home.

The grant came after a successful presentation to the national FA at the Leicestershire and Rutland FA headquarters, in Leicester, following months of preparation.

Bottesford FC club chairman Dan Gribby said: “We are delighted – this is a massive step forward for our club.

“We have been awarded a substantial contribution by the FA, at the top end of our application amount, towards this project.

“It will provide a marvellous facility for our local community.”

The club, which runs 13 teams from under-7s through to a senior first team, hopes work will soon begin on the project, with plans to officially open the new facilities by autumn next year.

Dan added: “Bottesford FC is now a priority club for the FA in 2015 and our target is to have the new clubhouse fully funded and built ready to start the 2016/17 season with all teams, juniors and seniors, playing there.

“Over the coming months, we have much work to do to deliver on time.

“I would like to thank both our fundraising officer Nick Dobney and Gary Johnson, from LK2 Consultants, for their help and support in making our application successful.”

l Bottesford have been handed a home draw in their bid to reach the final of a county cup.

The club will host Leicester Three Lions in the semi-finals of the Leicestershire County FA Saturday Trophy on Saturday, February 7 (kick-off 1pm).

Bottesford are third in North Leicestershire League Division One, while the Lions are second in Division One of the Leicester and District League.