Club unveils £1.7m redevelopment

Jim Huxford, chairman of Brigg Town FC, says the new facilities are for everyone to use

One of the oldest football clubs in the world is set for a new chapter in its history following a £1.7m redevelopment of its facilities.

Brigg Town FC, which was established in 1864, became a community interest company in 2017.

The project involved the installation of a 3G floodlit pitch, renovating and extending the changing room pavilion, and refurbishment of the clubhouse and function room.

Chairman Jim Huxford said the new facilities were for everyone in the community to enjoy.

"It's been a long time coming, but it's got here eventually. It's great that we've got everything under one roof," Mr Huxford said.

Commenting on the new 3G pitch - an artificial all-weather surface - he said the previous playing surface was quite good, but would usually be "ruined by October".

"It was playable, but was just mud," he said.

"Now, we are able to get the ball down and play good football - the kids can play good football.

"There is no excuse for a bad pass now because the pitch is perfect all the time," he said.

Mr Huxford says the 3G pitch means more teams, including children, can play at the ground

Mr Huxford said the club was working closely with local councils, schools, colleges and voluntary groups to increase participation in sport and social activities.

This includes the introduction of Wildcats sessions for girls.

"It's as important they are involved in the sport as much as the boys," Mr Huxford said.

He added that the club hoped to establish several teams for girls in the new year, as well as a disability football team and walking football for the over 50s.

"It's about progressing and making it available to everybody," Mr Huxford added.

He said the new clubhouse facilities and free function room were also proving very popular, hosting a variety of community groups, as well as weddings and parties.

It's been really tough over the past few years trying to make it work, but with the additional traffic through the pitch and bar - it's made it a lot more sustainable," Mr Huxford added.

The renovations were made possible as a result of a £50,000 grant from North Lincolnshire Council, which helped to secure more than £1m from other sources.

Council leader Rob Waltham said: "It is fantastic to see major developments like this happening in our communities.

"This investment at Brigg Town FC will not only benefit the club and fans, but the wider community who can use the space."

Brigg Town FC competes in Northern Counties East League Division One.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices