One of Lancashire oldest grassroots football clubs has raised more than £50,000 in just four months to secure its long-term future.
Kirkham Juniors FC was formed in 1972 and runs more than 20 teams and has, more recently, sought to raise £70,000 to restore the pitches at the William Segar Hodgson Playing Fields in Kirkham and create a permanent home for more than 300 young players.
The club has now announced that its Crowdfunder campaign has ended after raising more than £50,000 through a combination of online donations and direct contributions from supporters and local businesses.
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Discussions with a number of contractors have now enabled costs for the first phase of works to be significantly reduced. As a result, the funds raised to date will allow the club to focus on its immediate priority of bringing the site back to a playable standard as quickly as possible.
The club has also secured a 25-year lease on the playing fields from Kirkham Town Council.
Club chairman Karl Swan said: “This achievement has been made possible by an incredible response from across the local community. Businesses, families, volunteers and supporters have all played their part, while teams throughout the club have organised their own fundraising initiatives to help drive the campaign forward.
“To have raised more than £50,000 in such a short space of time is incredible. While further improvements and investment will be required over the coming years, the progress made so far represents a major step forward for the club and the wider community.
Work is now underway to prepare the facilities for the future. The club has appointed groundsman Graham Kite, who is currently carrying out essential work to bring a number of the pitches back to a playable standard ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Further investment will be required in the future for the site where the club will explore external funding opportunities through organisations such as the Football Foundation, Lancashire FA and local authorities for larger infrastructure projects such as drainage improvements.
