North Petherwin FC’s clubhouse being built. (Photo credit: North Petherwin FC Facebook page)
In a rural village with few places to meet, a local football club is building more than just a clubhouse: its creating a space where the whole community can come together.
Grassroots sports has always been a key part of the community all around Cornwall and with funding not at an all time high for these small clubs, it has meant that the local football experience hasn’t always been as tight-knit as they’d like.
Caden McGinnes (Right) playing football.
North Petherwin FC has recently had a new clubhouse built and upgraded the old changing rooms and toilet facilities. This new project for the local club is part of a long-term plan to help improve ground conditions.
The Mouth spoke to Caden McGinnes, a player for the team, who explained how the community pulled together to make this new clubhouse happen: “Most of our players have construction jobs which meant they all pitched in, and seeing them all come together as a community to help build the house was a great thing for the chairman.”
Although players and members of the team helped with the upgrades of the clubhouse, funding was also provided by the club’s sponsors who also specialise in construction – such as JJ Roofing which are based in Launceston.
Richard Knights, a spectator of the match, explained that “This new clubhouse is great! It means i’m able to see people who I might not have seen originally around the pitch. It really does bring the community together in many ways.”
Clubhouses like this have much more use than just being there to provide shelter for visitors at the games. These facilities also become a key part of local community spaces in small towns, with the chance for new activities to start and an easy meeting place for community meetings.