South Matton FC’s brand new clubhouse
In a rural Cornish village with few places to meet, local football club South Matton FC is building more than just a clubhouse: its creating a space where community comes together.
Grassroots sports is a key part community all around Cornwall today and with funding recently lacking for these small clubs, it has meant that the local football experience hasn’t been as tight-knit as locals might like.
The club have upgraded the old changing rooms and toilet facilities to a open spaced clubhouse with bar, seating and a meeting room. This new project is part of a long-term plan for further development to the grounds such as the installation of new pitches including a fully lit 4G Astro.
South Mattons striker Johnny Pattern, told The Mouth: “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.”
South Matton player Johnny Patten
edas Although players and members of the team helped with the upgrades of the clubhouse, funding was also provided by the clubs sponsors who also specialise in construction such as JJ’s roofing who donated £10,000 towards the clubs project.
Caroline Crick, a South Matton supporter and regular around the club, stated “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 like a mother and toddler class thats due to start in the clubhouse next Monday.