AFC Sudbury: development on course

IT will not just be football fans who will benefit from the new facilities opening this spring at the AFC football ground in Sudbury.

The �2million project to erect and kit out two new buildings for local people kicked off last year and is expected to be completed in May. The first building is the new AFC Clubhouse with a function room seating up to 170 which will also be used to support community activities during the week as well as a classroom and small gym area. The second, which has been part funded by the West Suffolk and Babergh East Local Strategic Partnerships, will be a new multi-purpose community facility including a classroom, kitchenette, toilets and changing rooms.

Mark Pearman, who is leading on the project, said: “AFC Sudbury Football Club has put up with temporary facilities on this site for over 30 years so they were well past their sell by date. As our members have grown in number we became desperate for somewhere more suitable and, speaking to other local groups and organisations, we realised that there was a demand for wider community facilities where people could meet and run clubs, support groups or educational courses. That was the impetus we needed to get the ball rolling and make Sudbury a 21st century market town Football Club.”

The club has adult male and female football teams and there are also around 220 young people who are members. This year the club is looking at setting up a team for those with disabilities so everyone will be able to take part.

Colin Spence, Babergh councillor and board member of the LSP, said: “We are delighted to help invest in these facilities. This is not just about football, important though that is, but these buildings are set to become a real focal point for the wider community and a wonderful asset for the town.”