Our new Clubhouse was finally officially opened on 28th October 2011 when the Club was delighted to secure Manchester City and England goalkeeper, Joe Hart, to perform the opening ceremony by unveiling a commemorative plaque in the Club’s Community Room. Joe, who met players and officials of the Club, said that he believes a healthy grassroots game is essential to the health of our national game.
“It’s tremendous to be opening this new facility for AFC Urmston Meadowside – and to see the excitement on all the youngsters’ faces here today. (Joe Hart - Manchester City & England)
Grassroots football is where we all start out, including me, so it is important that this investment goes into community sports sites like this one. And of course there are lots of wider benefits sport has for young people and society. (Joe Hart - Manchester City & England)
The Football Foundation and the Manchester FA are doing a fantastic job, with the funding they get from The FA, Premier League and government, to raise the standard of facilities throughout the grassroots game. Long may it continue.”
A number of the Meadowside teams participated in the event with structured training sessions run by their team coach. Joe spent time with all the groups, chatting and signing autographs before retiring to the building to unveil the commemorative plaque. The club has worked in partnership with the Manchester County FA to secure a £521,178 grant from the Football Foundation towards the cost of the project. Funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the government (via Sport England), the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity. Meds themselves have also worked tirelessly over the last 3 years to raise the remaining funds to complete the cost of the building. David Wright, Vice Chair and Fundraising Manager at Meds said:-
“The new sports pavilion is our pride and joy, the culmination of a lot of hard work, fundraising and dedication by the many volunteers that run this community football club.
We would like to thank all those people who helped us along the way, but particularly our friends at the Football Foundation, the FA and Sport Trafford for their immense support in making our new clubhouse dream become a reality.”
There are two Site Managers, Arnie Ross and Ian Wright who keep the building and site in pristine condition. Arnie and Ian also look after bookings for the Community Room and anyone interested in hiring the room for a function or meeting should speak to either of them for more information (Arnie Ross on Mobile: 07730 489 874) (Ian Wright on Mobile: 07712 107 201)
The Club House provides us with modern changing rooms and a Community function room and kitchen.
The kitchen doubles as a Café and is open at weekends for matches and training.
The Community room is not only used for Club meetings and functions but also by the FA for courses.
During the week, it is also hired out to local community groups, firms and companies and is available for hire to the general public for parties & functions.
