Great Driffield AFC Kicks Off a New Era with Clubhouse Goal Achieved!
‘A facility to be proud of’ is how trustees of Great Driffield AFC have described the new clubhouse and changing rooms at its Allotment Lane home after the club celebrated their official opening last Friday.
The vision to create improved football and community facilities at the club has been in the planning for 25 years and that vision has now become a reality with the opening of the new clubhouse providing a much-needed social facility.
The clubhouse, complete with bar, seating, TVs and a pool table, offers a space for spectators on match days to sit and socialise.
On a Saturday afternoon, after match refreshments will be provided for the teams and people can enjoy some social time into the evening.
With a capacity of 100 people, including seating for 70 at present, it is also hoped the clubhouse will become an ideal function room for both football and community usage, with the club aiming to hire the space for private parties, meetings and clubs.
In addition to the clubhouse, the changing rooms have been refurbished with individual showers as well as two separate match officials changing rooms with ensuite facilities.
Two outside toilets for spectators have also been provided and the new kitchen provides a servery, allowing spectators to buy drinks and snacks.
From a safety and security perspective, high quality CCTV and an intruder alarm system have been installed.
Jim Laird, chairman of Great Driffield AFC, said he is proud of what the club has achieved.
“This is a huge move forward and gives us a facility to be proud of that benefits both the club and community,” he said.
“The improvements have given us a base rather than somewhere just to play football.
“We are now able to hold events such as awards ceremonies, fundraising activities, meetings, and training events.
“The facilities provide a better experience for supporters, and we hope that this will encourage more spectators.
“We are not just a football facility though and we very much hope that local residents will come along for a social drink.
“The possibilities are endless, and it is exciting that the north end of the town, where a substantial number of new homes are being built, has a facility such as ours.”
Jim said the club is indebted to all those who have helped to fund the new facilities including The Football Foundation, with specific support from Graham Turner; East Riding of Yorkshire Council commuted sums supported by LeeAnne Wright; Elliot Hakner from Finding Funding Ltd; the East Riding County FA with support from Rachel Sullivan, head of development and investment; UK SPF; the Police and Crime Commissioner for the CCTV and intruder alarm and local funding from The Sandy Dewhirst Charitable Trust; The Horace Taylor Trust and the club’s own fundraising efforts.
Jim added his thanks to Tokenspire as main contractors, and all their sub-contractors; architect Piercy Design Ltd; the Dewhirst family for their ongoing support to the club; East Riding of Yorkshire Council ward councillors; Driffield Town Council; David Taylor for the donation of a pool table and his fellow club trustees Dave Lawson, Paul and Louise Burkinshaw, Neil Staff and his wife Linda.
“The improvements have brought football and its facilities more in line with other sporting venues in the town,” he added.
“It is a community hub with a huge potential to benefit the football community and the local community.”
Among those attending the opening last Friday were local football stalwart Norman Harris who shared Jim’s vision some 25 years ago for the improved facilities at the club that he has been involved with for at least three decades.
He said: “This is great and is what Driffield has needed for years.
“I am pleased to be able to be here to see it all.”
Bridlington and Wolds MP Charlie Dewhirst spoke at the opening about how the facility is helping the club go from strength to strength.
He said: “This is an amazing facility, and it is brilliant to see the club develop as a focal point for football in the town.
“Driffield has a strong sporting heritage, and these facilities will enable the club to go from strength to strength.”
Jim added that after 25 years it was a fantastic day to see it all come together.
“It was very uplifting to see the clubhouse being officially opened on Friday.
“It has been a long and sometimes arduous journey, but all the hard work has been worth it, and I am very proud of what we have collectively achieved for the benefit of local football and the community of Driffield.”
