Leyburn junior football club appeals for land to improve town’s facilities

Leyburn United JFC U6s.

A junior football club has issued a public appeal for land in an ambitious bid to improve a town’s recreational facilities.

Leyburn United JFC, which has more than 50 junior member aged from 4 to 14, has made the appeal as plans are being drawn up for further housing in the town.

The junior club is looking for land to buy, rent or receive as a donation to create new facilities both for its members and the wider community.

While Leyburn’s population has grown significantly in recent years, it is felt by club members that the town’s sporting facilities have not kept pace.

The lack of facilities was one of the key issues identified by residents in a recent questionnaire carried out by the town council as part of the drawing up of a town plan.

Club chairman Chris Ellis said: “We are a well-run charter standard football club and have a number of dedicated volunteers who want to take the club forward and improve its facilities both for its members and the wider community.

“A large number of homes have been built in Leyburn in recent years and more are likely to be built in the future.

“However, apart from small playparks, no new outdoor sporting facilities for public use have been created which we think is a shame and needs to be addressed.”

Chris stressed that the aim was to improve facilities both for its members and the wider community of Leyburn and the surrounding area.

The club currently uses the Wensleydale School for training and games and says it is very grateful to be able to use those facilities, but now feel it is time to try and secure its own space.

Chris added: “We are very keen to work with all stakeholders including local authorities, other sports clubs, schools, residents and businesses to improve facilities in Leyburn.

“The young people of Leyburn deserve better sporting facilities and we are determined to do all we can to provide those facilities for them.

“We believe the first step is to find a plot of suitable land which is why we have issued this appeal.”

You can contact Chris by email at discfinger@outlook.com