A brand new sports pavilion in Worplesdon is a step closer thanks to a grant of £25,000 from Guildford Borough Council’s community project fund. More than 450 local people will benefit directly from the cash which will go towards the goal of new, modern sports facilities in the area.

Comments Lead Councillor for People and Partnership, Cllr Jen Powell:

“We are committed to help the community through funding for local projects like this. Worplesdon’s football and cricket clubs have many local people of all ages needing proper facilities. With a total of eight junior and senior football and cricket teams and 42 children under nine being coached in cricket, the new pavilion will make it possible to provide sporting opportunities for local people from 7 to 70 years of age”.

Worplesdon’s Football Club, Cricket Club and Memorial Trustees won the grant following a strong bid to the council. The new pavilion is likely to cost about £392,000 in total and the clubs and trustees have been successful in securing considerable funding for the project so far.

Adds Cllr Terence Patrick, Lead Councillor for Healthy Living:

“The current sports pavilion was built in the 1920s and the sports facilities are no longer adequate for today’s requirements. As well as the council, the Worplesdon clubs and trustees have also applied to the Football Foundation for a grant for 70% of the cost, and will pay the remaining balance through fundraising and sponsorship”.

Alan Simpson, Chairman of the Worplesdon Pavilion Committee, says:

"It is so important that in these days of so many options we give people, particularly children, the opportunity to take part in sport. It is also just as important that local councils support these initiatives and we are very thankful that Guildford Borough Council has supported ours".

For more information on grants for community projects, visit the community pages.