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.

The open day attractions included a bouncy castle, football coaching and other under-tent events
The open day attractions included a bouncy castle, football coaching and other under-tent events provided by Stanley Events.

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.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, along with Labour MP, Kevan Jones, were also on hand at the opening.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, along with Labour MP, Kevan Jones, were also on hand at the opening.

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.


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Jim Callan
I am a professional photographer,journalist and writer with over 35 years of experience in producing award-winning images and articles covering a multitude if subjects that have ranged from popular music, film and charity events to celebrity, live events and press /media coverage. Along the way, I have run my own businesses and have held editorial and photo-library managerial positions. However, photography and meeting people have always been my passions. I have been fortunate in getting to meet a number of my favourite celebrities across the years as well as many, many others. I have also covered many state events, regional events and other such occasions. Many of my favourites having been in London, South Tyneside and regions around the country. And, especially, abroad in cities such as Paris. I still get a thrill from seeing my work in print. Even after all these years.

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