A major £250,000 extension and refurbishment of Burnham United Football Club’s facilities was formally opened on Sunday (November 27th).
The modern new changing rooms, clubhouse and bar area were officially opened by Burnham and Highbridge’s Mayor, Cllr Michael Clarke, and Rose Laurence, the wife of the late Albert Laurence, who volunteered at the club for over 50 years.
The project, which cost more than £250,000, was funded by generous grants from Viridor Credits, the National Lottery Awards for All, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, Sedgemoor District Council and club sponsor Fusion Leisure.
The club welcomed the Mayor of Burnham & Highbridge, Sedgemoor District Council and Burnham & Highbridge Town Council members, Viridor Credits, Fusion Leisure, the Somerset FA, Somerset County League, Weston Super Mare & District League, Life Members & all those who helped with the project to the opening which gave them all the opportunity to look around the clubhouse and changing rooms.
Club Chairman Matt Counsell said: “The opening was a culmination of a lot of hard work by the club to enable these fantastic facilities to be built which the club are so proud of and will benefit the local community for many years to come.”
“I am personally delighted that the Laurence family could attend and accepted the club’s invitation to open the building in memory of Albert as token of our appreciation for everything he did for Burnham United AFC. It is sad that he never got to see the new building.”
“In the 50 years he was at the club he raised more money through members draws and various sponsors than the new build cost which is simply incredible. The whole club are extremely grateful for all the support that people have given the project and all those who have helped fund it being built.”
The project – jointly run between Burnham United AFC and Burnham United Juniors – was funded by Viridor Credits, Sedgemoor District Council, Burnham & Highbridge Town Council, the National Lottery Awards for All, the club’s main sponsors Fusion Leisure plus endless internal fund raising events. Both clubs would like to thank all these organisations for their support to help make this project a reality.
Project Manager Ollie Taylor added: “Burnham United have come such a long way in such a short period of time. Thanks has to go to so many people that have helped this project along the way. It’s a nice feeling to know that our roof no longer leaks during the winter months and I firmly believe we now have facilities that will benefit the community immensely. Our committee will continue to work hard to improve every element of the club and have further plans for pitch improvements. Our aim is to be the best club in the area with the best facilities and the best players.”
The FA Chartered Standard Club is always keen to welcome new members and the Clubhouse is available to hire for functions. For more details please contact Club Secretary Pauline Smith on psmithburnhamutd@hotmail.com
Pictured: Sunday’s opening of the new facilities in Burnham-On-Sea (photos courtesy of Mike Lang Photography)
