Upgrade for Calverton FC's kitchen which was at risk of closure

Calverton football club has unveiled a brand new kitchen as part of a £3 investment programme to improve clubhouse facilities and bring local communities closer together courtesy of specialist kitchen supplier Howdens and England Football. It is one of 450 lucky clubs across the UK to benefit from the Howdens' Game Changer Programme, launched to support grassroots football. The kitchen, at Calverton Miners' Welfare in Hollinwood Lane, was selected from hundreds of applications.

It was officially opened by Howdens Arnold. With 23 football teams and more than 200 players, Calverton FC supports a diverse range of teams covering boys, girls, inclusive and senior teams. The club offers Football School from aged four, beginning with an under sevens side.



Established in 1988, the club was awarded the grant due to its deep-rooted connection to the local community. Supported by the Calverton Parish Council and local schools, the club has been recognised for its inclusive approach and open to all policy. Playing a vital role in improving income streams and the overall financial health of the club, the kitchen installation will also be a hub of social activity where supporters can enjoy a cup of tea and players can retreat to celebrate together.

Viv Corcoran, secretary to the board of trustees at Calverton Miners Welfare Trust, said: “We are very proud of our 3 star Accredited, community club status. Most of our players are from Calverton and we have worked extremely hard on our player pathway to continuously improve the club, which is largely down to our hard-working volunteers. "Our kitchen was very old and required updating or risked closure.

Our kitchen provides the club with post-match refreshments which helps players forge friendships and feel included. The support from Howdens couldn’t have come at a better time as the club have just successfully been granted funds for a new floodlit 3g pitch, and with increased footfall the requirements for a fully functioned kitchen will now be met. It will create a new revenue stream as we can be more productive with a better working space and quality appliances.

” Mark Measures, depot manager at Howdens Arnold, said: “We hope the new installation at Calverton football club will provide a great base for a pre and post-match refreshment, as well as help raise additional funds to support the club’s growth. The Game Changer Programme, which is aimed at helping grassroots football clubs thrive, has been a huge success and many more clubs could benefit in the next round of applications." The third application window is open until January 31 2025.

Find out how to apply here..