ROUND Tablers have given a £15,000 boost to help an Ilkley football club's £675,000 dream pitch become a reality.

Funding provided by Ilkley and District Round Table is helping Ilkley Town AFC towards construction of a new all-weather artificial grass surface at Ben Rhydding, due for completion in December.

The community club, which has more than 450 players across 30 teams, has embarked on a project to build the state-of-the-art pitch on Ilkley Grammar School fields at Ben Rhydding.

This is the first of four phases of the overall redevelopment of Ben Rhydding Sports Club facilities, in Coutances Way, which will transform the sporting provision available to the community.

The pitch can be used at any time of the day and in any type of weather, which will have a huge impact on how often local football teams can play and train.

A large portion of funding is expected to come from the Football Foundation. But the club has its own local fundraising £50,000 target towards that total, and would welcome further contributions.

Ilkley Town AFC chairman, Richard Giles, said: "This substantial contribution will go a long way towards our fundraising target and is a fantastic show of support from the local community for this project.

"We are delighted to report that, with the contribution made by Ilkley and District Round Table, the club now has two thirds of the amount needed, and so we are making big steps towards our vision of building an all-weather pitch in the town.”

The club has been in Ilkley since the early 20th Century, with Saturday and Sunday league teams playing at West Holmes and East Holmes fields alongside the River Wharfe.

Its 30 teams include age ranges from under-six to under-21, catering for boys, girls, men and ladies. Ilkley Town AFC is recognised by the FA as a Community Charter Standard Club.

However, the club says football facilities within Ilkley are currently insufficient for the number of teamsin the town, and they do not allow for all-weather usage or playing under floodlights.

The new pitch will also be available to use by Ilkley Grammar School and community groups. The artificial grass pitch will allow Ilkley Town AFC to set up additional girls’ teams, an Academy of Football, provide football for people with disabilities and walking football for over-50s.

Businesses or individuals interested in investing or donating towards the project should contact Mr Giles on 07714153515 for further information.

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