Believe housing helps Willington AFC improve facilities

Believe housing helps Willington AFC improve facilities


Willington AFC, based in County Durham, received funding for new showers at its Hall Lane ground through a £1,000 community investment grant from believe housing.

The project also received equipment donations from Jewson Partnership Solutions and Park Electrical.Lee Booth at work Lee Booth at work (Image: believe housing)

Mark Stewart, electrical coordinator at believe housing and a nearby resident, said: “There’s less going on now, so it’s important to support what’s left, like the club.”

Electricians from believe housing’s repairs team volunteered to install the showers in the home, away, and officials’ changing rooms.

The upgrades were completed in late July.(Image: believe housing)

Carl Whelpdale, chairman and club secretary of Willington AFC, said the support comes at a crucial time for the club, which is aiming to progress back into the Northern League.

Mr Whelpdale said: “After a couple of tough seasons and back-to-back relegations, we’ve bounced back and are now in the Wearside Premier League, aiming to return to the Northern League.

“But to get there, our ground needs to meet league requirements.(Image: believe housing)

“We have a comprehensive programme of improvements to work through and believe housing’s support with the shower upgrades really eases the pressure on our small team of volunteers.

“When the club is thriving, it brings the community together.

“We support youth football and other local activities, and improvements to the ground help us do even more.”Electricians Lee Booth, Benjamin Dixon, and Charlie Wainwright from believe housingElectricians Lee Booth, Benjamin Dixon, and Charlie Wainwright from believe housing (Image: believe housing)

The upgraded facilities are part of Willington AFC’s broader plans to ensure their ground meets the standards required for promotion to higher leagues.

Believe Housing, one of the largest not-for-profit housing associations in the North East, owns more than 18,000 homes.

The association said it is committed to improving the lives of its customers by providing healthy, affordable homes and supporting community projects.Lee Booth at work Lee Booth at work (Image: believe housing)

A spokesman for believe housing said the organisation is proud to back schemes that strengthen neighbourhoods and bring people together.

The Hall Lane ground is surrounded by believe housing properties, making the project ‘particularly meaningful to the organisation and the community’.

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Electricians Lee Booth, Benjamin Dixon, and Charlie Wainwright from believe housing were among those who volunteered their time to install the new showers.(Image: believe housing)

Their contribution has been praised as a ‘team effort’ that will benefit players, officials, and the wider community.

Willington AFC hopes the improvements will support its ambitions on and off the pitch.



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