FA support for plans to create new Nottinghamshire football facility

If approved, the new synthetic pitch would replace the existing grass pitch

A Nottinghamshire village could be in line for a new football facility after the Football Association (FA) identified it as an area of need.

Calverton Miners Welfare FC has submitted plans to Gedling Borough Council for a new, synthetic pitch, spectator area and new lighting.

The club, founded in 1946, hosts some "700 players" every weekend, secretary Viv Corcoran said.

It is hoped the facility will encourage a "wider range" of people to the sport.

Planning documents stated a need for the new facility in the area was "identified" by the FA with the view that it would "assist" in increasing the "level of female participation in the sport".

Ms Corcoran, 70, was one of the founding members of the club and said the existing pitch, which would be replaced, already provided "a lot for the health and wellbeing of the village and surrounding areas" but said it was in need of an upgrade.

"We've got something in the region of 700 footballers up here over the weekends," she said.

"It's a huge thing for the teams because we're an inclusive club and a [synthetic] pitch would mean more people can use more often."

She added the plan had been in the making for two years before it was submitted to the council.

If approved, Ms Corcoran claimed the facility would be the only one like it in the area.