A £30,000 council grant joins other funding to create a new pavilion and clubhouse at Carrside Playing Fields, designed to expand participation and strengthen local sport.
Epworth Town Colts AFC has secured a £30,000 grant from North Lincolnshire Council to help build a new clubhouse and modern changing rooms at Carrside Playing Fields. The council’s contribution is part of a wider £360,000 investment package that also draws on the UKSPF, the Football Foundation and the club’s own funds.
Local builder Merrit Construction Ltd has been appointed to carry out the work.
What’s being built
– A welcoming, multi-use clubhouse with improved changing rooms, storage and referee facilities.
– Flexible spaces for coaching, community events and matchday hospitality.
– Design features to improve accessibility and safety across the site.
Who benefits
The upgrades will support players, volunteers and spectators of all ages and abilities. Epworth Town Colts runs teams from under-sevens through to adult sides, and the new facilities should make it easier to expand coaching, run more community sessions and host additional fixtures.
For families and young people, better amenities mean a safer, more reliable base for sport and social activity.
Practical delivery and milestones
Work will be phased to keep disruption to a minimum. Early stages focus on accessible changing rooms and modular coaching spaces, with later phases widening the timetable and formalising volunteer coaching pathways. The club will receive staged payments tied to construction milestones and is responsible for keeping records of expenditure and progress for funders.
Regulatory and operational checklist
Public funding brings obligations. To keep things on track, the club should:
– Keep clear, auditable records of budgets, invoices and community use.
– Publish and maintain safeguarding policies; ensure DBS checks where required.
– Minimise and protect personal data in line with GDPR—use short, clear registration forms and documented consent.
– Define a maintenance plan and insurance cover for the new facilities.
– Appoint a named compliance lead to coordinate monitoring reports and communications with funders.
How other clubs can learn from this project
If you’re planning a similar upgrade, start by preparing a realistic budget and matching funding plan, documenting accessibility measures and training pathways for volunteers. Simple, consistent reporting and strong community engagement make grant applications stronger and reduce the chance of funding complications.
Community and health impact
Better grassroots facilities boost physical activity, mental wellbeing and social connection. The club expects higher attendance, improved youth retention and more varied programmes — from family sessions to competitive coaching — which in turn support local schools, health services and outreach projects.
About the grant and next steps
The funding came through the regional Community Grant Fund, which has supported local projects since 2011. Next on the project timetable: completion of the main build phase, final safety certifications, handover checks and a phased opening. The club will submit monitoring reports to unlock subsequent payment tranches.
What residents and local partners can expect
Residents will see more training sessions, weekend and weekday fixtures, youth outreach activities and community events at Carrside Playing Fields. There will be practical changes too: scheduled maintenance, parking arrangements for larger events and a communications protocol for any local issues. Local businesses and volunteers can get involved through sponsorship, coaching and matchday support.
Final note
This blended investment—combining council, national and club funding—aims to create a lasting community asset for the Isle of Axholme. For enquiries about facility use or partnership opportunities, contact Epworth Town Colts or North Lincolnshire Council’s community grants team.
