The SFP recently awarded modular changing rooms to Houston United F.C. and the club are already reaping the benefits of their new community changing facilities within their base at Ardgryffe Park. Louis Jeffrey, Chairperson of Houston United F.C. said “In 2012, I was asked to take over the role of Chairperson and decided the Club needed to be more inclusive and a greater resource for the Community where people could have a sense of belonging and be part of something they could take strength from. The club quickly grew and I am happy to say increased its playing members ten-fold (40 to 400) including a thriving Girls’ Section with over 45 players. The rapid growth of the club meant that it quickly outgrew the facility provision at the local High School and without a natural grass pitch in the village, teams were having to play home games in different local authority areas and many teams, including the girls, couldn’t train more than one night per week. In 2015, we contacted The SFP who were quick to recognise our dilemma at a time when we were looking to lease the redundant village football park. To support our aspirations of having a new playing facility, the SFP provided us with Changing and Storage facilities as well as financial support towards the installation of water and electricity services. Together with the support of the Local Area Committee and local businesses, including WRC Recycling (Robert Capper), WH Malcolm (Darren Gilmour) and others, I am delighted to say we now have a football grass facility and a modern base for the club which is capable of hosting League matches, as well as our Academy. The Club will forever be indebted for the advice, guidance, financial backing and above all patience over the four years of the project provided by the SFP. Thank you from the Committee and all the players at Houston United F.C.”.
