New changing pavilion in Rimington set to improve sustainability of local club

      
The new changing pavilion in Rimington was officially opened prior to a game between Rimington FC and Burnley Belvedere.

Community footballers in Rimington can now enjoy an enhanced matchday experience after the doors were opened to Rimington Recreation Association’s new changing pavilion recently (Saturday 13 April 2019).

The new pavilion was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

After netting a £36,233 grant from the Football Foundation, work began on the site in December 2018. Following the opening of the new changing pavilion, football can now return to prominence in Rimington.

The new changing pavilion will provide partner club, Rimington FC, with a state-of-the-art facility for the whole community to enjoy. The new building not only provides the club with fit-for-purpose facilities which will help them to retain players and grow but, will also act as a central community hub.

As the main football team in the village, Rimington FC’s focus is to work alongside West Riding County FA to develop both the adult and junior football sections of the club. The new changing pavilion will improve the sustainability of the club and it is anticipated that it will help them to attract an additional 150 players over the next five years.

Martin Lawson, Secretary of Rimington FC, said: “We are delighted to officially open the new pavilion at Rimington, the home of Rimington Football Club. After many months of hard work from everyone involved, we have finally achieved our goal.

“We are indebted to several organisations, individuals and local business for supporting us financially or with services, especially the Football Foundation for the financial support. The pavilion will form the back drop to allow Rimington FC and the community to develop in all aspects for years to come.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The support of the Premier League, The FA and government enables the Football Foundation to help improve community sports facilities like this one across the country. Their funding has played a key role in delivering this new changing pavilion in Rimington and I am delighted for everyone associated with Rimington Recreation Association.

“This is one example we want to make people in Rimington aware of, that they have the kind of quality pitches and changing rooms that are taken for granted in other counties. We will continue to support projects nationwide, but we cannot do this on our own, so we are encouraging organisations in the area to join our movement to deliver quality football facilities for people in Rimington once and for all.

“Taking part in community sport at any level offers many benefits and rewards, not least the opportunity for people to enjoy themselves and socialise with different members of the community.”

Andrew Shuttleworth, Facilities & Investment Manager at West Riding FA, said: “It was fantastic to see the opening of the new pavilion at Rimington FC. Everybody involved with the Club that made this happen deserve a huge congratulations.  After lots of determination, dedication and an amazing fundraising effort, the Club and the wider community have a facility to be proud of.”