Southam United Football Club is being given £250,000 by Stratford District Council to complete its clubhouse and secure its long-term future.

The funding was approved by the council’s cabinet on Monday (2nd November) and will help finish facilities at Bobby Hancocks Park.

The work is expected to cost around £350,000, but the club had a funding gap of £250,000.

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, the council's environmental and neighbourhood services portfolio holder, said: "Southam United Football Club has been at the heart of the local community for more than a century, providing opportunities for people of all ages to get active, develop new skills and enjoy the benefits that sport brings.

"By supporting the completion of these facilities, we are helping to secure the future of the club, protect an important community asset and create greater opportunities for residents to take part in sport and community activities for many years to come."

Founded in 1905, United provides football opportunities for around 150 players across 19 teams, ranging from under-fives to senior level.

The club has ambitions to expand, including creating more opportunities for girls' football and players with disabilities.

It moved to Bobby Hancocks Park as part of a redevelopment project approved in 2014. Although the clubhouse reached practical completion, key parts of the first floor remain unfinished, including heating, kitchen and toilet facilities.

This has restricted its use as a community venue and limited the club's ability to generate additional income.

The council's grant will be subject to several conditions, including the production of a detailed business plan, continued engagement with Birmingham County FA and efforts to secure external grant funding.

Arrangements must also be put in place to safeguard the public investment, while the council's contribution will be reduced if significant additional funding is secured from other sources.