Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton officially opened the brand new £500,000 changing pavilion at Holbeach United Community Sports Academy on Friday night.
Dubbed “Kings Academy”, the facility was made possible by a £340,000 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, which is delivered by the Football Foundation and provides grants towards developing new or refurbished grassroots football facilities.
It is based on a 15-acre piece of land at Pennyhill, which was donated by late Holbeach businessman – and lifelong Tigers supporter – John King.
Sutton, who played for Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Celtic among other clubs during his long career, cut the ribbon at the new complex, which comprises six new real grass pitches, four changing rooms complete with shower facilities, two officials’ rooms, plant storage and kitchen and community hall.
Holbeach United worked in partnership with the Lincolnshire FA to secure a £340,000 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund.
Danny Andrew, who currently plays for Fleetwood Town and came through Holbeach United youth academy, was also present at the opening.
The grant has enabled Holbeach United Community Sports Academy to create a purpose built home to continue its work in catering for grassroots football within the local community.
This new facility will become home to Holbeach United Youth FC, but will also be available to local community groups.
Holbeach United currently has 14 affiliated teams, but this new development will expand its provision to 22 squads, including the introduction of female sides.
Special guest Sutton, who won the Premier League with Blackburn back in 1995, said: “I was delighted to open this fantastic facility in Holbeach, which was made possible thanks to funding from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund and delivered by the Football Foundation.
“It is clear what a difference facilities like this will make to the team and the local community – this will be a hub for football.
“I appreciate the importance of good, grassroots facilities.
“The difference these types of projects make to the health and well-being of the local community is tremendous, and, moreover, quality facilities can only help to create fantastic young players.”
Ex-Tiger Andrew said: “I have fond memories of Holbeach. Their facilities acted as a springboard for my professional career.
“With the addition of this changing pavilion to the club, hopefully more youth players will be able to come through the ranks.”Philip Barnes, chairman/trustee of Holbeach United Community Sports Academy, said: “Special thanks must go to former Premier League and Scottish Premier League star Chris Sutton for officially opening the facility.
“Our gratitude is also extended to the late John King and his son Ashley from Ashley King Developments, Gary Johnson from LK2 Consultants, Stuart Clark, Des Ford, Neal Collishaw, Chris Stebbings, Trustees, Holbeach United Youth FC committee and to the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund for granting the funds for this exciting project.
“This new grassroots facility will not only now mean that Holbeach United Youth FC teams will have a permanent football home but the local community will also be able to benefit and use this new purpose built facility.”
Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, added: “I am delighted that a grant from the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund has enabled Holbeach United Community Sports Academy to create this fantastic new changing pavilion.
“This development will provide a real boost to sport in the local area. A special thanks must also go to Chris Sutton for taking the time to open the facility.”
Kings Academy hosted the first of many huge sporting events over the weekend, with more than 700 boys and girls christening the pitches at a tournament held on Saturday and Sunday.
