A JUNIOR football club has scored a £5,000 windfall to help develop a muchneeded new home, thanks to the votes of its loyal supporters in a national competition.
Eccleshall Eagles FC was one of 132 groups across the country to net a share of the Lloyds Banking Group Community Fund this year.
A public vote determined the victors and Eccleshall Eagles were one of the top two in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, with just 42 votes securing their winning position.
The club has 12 teams and membership has swelled in recent years to 180 youngsters, aged between six and 18. For the past five years the club has been battling to secure new facilities so that all teams can play in the same location - currently teams train at venues across the borough.
The £5,000 boost will go towards new goals and other sports equipment at the club’s new Drake Hall home, north east of Eccleshall.
Club treasurer Neil Hawkins, who secured the nomination for the Community Award, said:“It is brilliant news.
"To be one of just two community based groups in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent being awarded £5,000 is such an amazing achievement and everyone at the club would like to thank everyone who voted for the club.”
