NUFC Grounds Improvement Project

Aim

To enhance our football stadium/ground to new IFA guidelines for performance football and improve infrastructure and accessible to community

About us

We are a dedicated team of local volunteers, coaches, and community members working to improve our rural football ground so it can better serve people of all ages and abilities. Our group brings together experience in grassroots sport, community engagement, health and wellbeing initiatives, and event management — all focused on strengthening our community through physical activity.

Grassroots sport plays a vital role in improving physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection, and confidence. In rural areas like ours, these facilities are often the only accessible hub for young people, families, and older residents. By improving our grounds, we aim to ensure everyone has a safe, high-quality space to be active and included.

Partnership Funding

To deliver this project, we are actively securing a blend of community contributions, club fundraising, and external support. The Olympic Legacy Fund will form a key element of our overall funding package, but we are also committed to generating partnership funding to strengthen the impact and sustainability of the project.

Our partnership funding will include:

• Club fundraising and community events already underway
• Local donations from individuals, businesses, and supporters
• Volunteer time and in-kind contributions, including labour and equipment support
• Additional small grants where eligible

This combined approach demonstrates strong local commitment and ensures that the Olympic Legacy Fund investment is matched by community-driven support. We are confident that this partnership funding model will help secure the long-term future of our facility and deliver lasting value for the wider community.

 About Our Community Project

We are a dedicated group of local volunteers, coaches, and community members passionate about improving our rural football ground so it can better serve people of all ages and abilities. Our team brings experience in sport, community development, and wellbeing initiatives — but above all, we share a commitment to strengthening our community through accessible physical activity.

In a rural area like ours, the football ground is more than just a pitch. It is the central gathering point for families, young people, and older residents. By improving our facilities, we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space that everyone can enjoy.

Why This Project Matters

Grassroots sport plays a vital role in improving physical health, mental wellbeing, reducing social isolation, and building confidence. However, our current facility has limited accessibility, ageing infrastructure, and safety challenges that restrict who can take part and when the space can be used.

Upgrading the grounds will remove these barriers and create a year-round community hub that encourages greater participation in sport, recreation, and social connection.

What Your Support Will Help Us Deliver

With the funds raised, we will complete essential improvements that will transform the facility:

• Perimeter Fencing 

To secure the site, protect equipment, and create a safe space for training, matches, and youth sessions.

• Ground Works (Concrete & Drainage)

To improve access for all users, prevent flooding, and ensure the site can be used safely in all weather conditions.

• Community Social Space

A new area for supporters, families, and local residents to gather — helping build relationships, host events, and strengthen community pride.

• Ball-Stop Netting

To enhance safety for players, spectators, and neighbouring properties, enabling more groups and age ranges to use the space confidently.

How This Aligns with the Olympic Legacy Fund

This project supports the Olympic Legacy Fund’s core aims by:

• Increasing participation in grassroots sport 
• Improving accessibility and safety
• Supporting physical and mental wellbeing
• Creating sustainable community sport infrastructure
• Providing inclusive opportunities for children, young people, and families
• Strengthening the long-term future of rural sport provision

Partnership Funding

We are committed to a mixed funding model that includes community efforts and external support. Partnership funding will be secured through club fundraising, local donations, in-kind support, and small grant opportunities. This demonstrates strong local commitment and ensures that Olympic Legacy Fund investment is matched by community-driven backing.

The Impact

These improvements will:

• Future-proof the ground for the next generation
• Allow more sessions, teams, and age groups to participate
• Increase accessibility for people with mobility challenges
• Create a shared community space for social activity and events
• Boost health, wellbeing, and community cohesion
• Build pride and connection in our rural area

With your support, we can transform our grounds into a facility that brings people together and provides opportunities for everyone to thrive. Why This Project Aligns with the Olympic Legacy Fund

This project strongly supports the Olympic Legacy Fund’s objectives by:

• Increasing participation in sport for children, young people, and adults
• Improving accessibility and safety, removing barriers that currently prevent people from taking part
• Supporting long-term community health and wellbeing
• Creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that encourage diverse groups to get involved
• Strengthening grassroots sport and protecting local facilities for future generations
• Enhancing rural provision, ensuring our community has access to the same opportunities as larger towns

What the Funding Will Deliver

With support from the Olympic Legacy Fund, we will deliver essential improvements that will transform the site into a year-round, accessible, and safe community hub:

1. Perimeter Fencing

To secure the grounds, protect users, and safeguard equipment, creating a safer and more controlled environment for training, matches, and youth programmes.

2. Ground Works – Concrete & Drainage

To ensure the site is accessible in all weather, prevent flooding, and make the facility suitable for wider community use, including walking, social events, and multi-sport activities.

3. Creation of a Social Space

A dedicated area for families, supporters, volunteers, and visitors, helping us build stronger community connections around sport, wellbeing, and shared activity.

4. Ball-Stop Netting

To improve safety on-site and for surrounding properties, enabling more teams, age groups, and community users to share the space safely.

Community Impact

These improvements will:

• Expand participation in football and other physical activities
• Provide a safe environment for youth programmes and grassroots development
• Improve accessibility for older people, parents with prams, and individuals with mobility challenges
• Encourage social cohesion and community pride
• Create new opportunities for events, training, and community gatherings
• Support long-term sustainability of local sport in a rural area
• Deliver a lasting legacy that will benefit the community for many years to come

Our Commitment

We are committed to delivering a facility that meets Olympic Legacy Fund standards for inclusion, safety, and long-term impact. This project is community-led, community-driven, and designed to ensure that everyone — regardless of age, background, or ability — has access to high-quality sport and physical activity opportunities.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made