LONG-TIME resident of Burton-in-Lonsdale Kathleen Salrein cut the ribbon to officially open the village's new sports pavilion.

The £130,900 project – a joint venture between Burton United FC and Burton in Lonsdale Parish Council – was made possible thanks to a £50,000 grant from the Premier League through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) and £50,000 from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

The new pavilion has changing facilities for two teams, an officials’ changing room, showers, disabled access toilets, a large clubroom and storage space.

In the past, teams have had to use a temporary portable building and, on match days, the officials changed in the female toilets, the visiting team used the kitchen and the home team arrived already changed!

Burton United FC, which plays in Division Four of the North Lancashire and District Football League, now meets ground grading requirements that will allow it to progress to the next level of the football pyramid.

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, who attended the opening, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the committee for all their incredible work in delivering this excellent facility to the village.

"It will be a great addition to Burton-in-Lonsdale's sporting facilities.

"It is very exciting for Burton United FC, and I wish them every success for the future."

Burton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council chairman, Councillor Ian Thompson, said: "This grant from the FSIF was crucial in completing the funding for our new sport pavilion. It meets the quality standard required by the Football Association, and also acts as a social facility where we can entertain visiting sports teams or hold village events."

Football Stadia Improvement Fund chairman, Peter McCormick, said: "The new pavilion at Burton-in-Lonsdale is a prime example of how the Premier League injects money into the grassroots levels of the game.

"The new facilities will provide a safe and comfortable environment for players and officials to prepare for matches and training sessions, and will also allow the club to progress to the next level of the football pyramid. It is also great to see Julian Smith MP supporting this investment in his constituency. I wish the club all the best for the future."

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