May has seen the completion of a landmark renovation project in Stanley that saw the official opening of the Stanley Community Football Centre in the town’s Tyne Road.
The opening, on the 21st May, marked the completion of the £50,000 renovation project with a family day that included attractions ranging from a penalty shoot-out competition, Football Tennis, a tombola, bouncy castle and other inflatables, a climbing wall and caricature pictures. There were also refreshments and other side attractions.
Midday saw the official cutting of the ribbon with the entire open day being run by Stanley Events who, in partnership with Stanley Town Council, Durham District Council, The Foundation of Light, the Football Foundation and Stanley Area Action Partnership turning the former North Durham Academy site into a state-of-the-art community hub.
Cllr Carl Marshall, who is a Director of Stanley Events and the local Councillor said: “It has taken a tremendous amount of work by a dedicated team of volunteers, working alongside the County Council and partners to help bring this derelict site that was destined for demolition back into use for the local community.”
Mark Pae, of The Foundation of Light added: “We started working with Stanley Events in 2015 to help them with their plans to develop the facility at the old North Durham Academy site in South Stanley. This partnership has helped the Foundation establish a base for helping teenagers and young adults in the region through the Kicks social inclusion programme and Back on Track programme (which helps young people not in employment, education or training).
“The Foundation’s partnership with Stanley Events has proved successful and we are delighted with the development of the facility. Plans to enhance the facility further mean that it can become a real hub for the community where people can realise their potential.”
The successful and busy facility now boasts over 600 regular users every week, who access a range of sport and fitness facilities. It is also the home of Beamish Community Football Club and Stanley Youth Club, who use the site’s extensive facilities, including its floodlit 3G astroturf pitches.
Its pitches are all available for hire, alongside a fully-furnished community room that is ideal venue for conferences, training, meetings, and birthday parties, including use of the kitchen area, changing and outdoor sports areas.
For more information on Stanley Community Football Centre, visit www.scfc.org.uk, call Anna Marshall on 07879810960, or email scfc@stanleyevents.co.
