Chadderton FC, incorporating a junior section with a soccer school, 25 teams and 350+ players, have received major funding to convert the existing grass pitch into a 3G facility.
The junior section have held community based family “fun days” in previous years and it was suggested that we organise another to celebrate the forthcoming changes whilst reassuring our younger members that this change would be beneficial to their health and wellbeing. These changes will impact them directly and the vast majority of the children will benefit from improved facilities, being able to train at the club during the week rather than being dispersed at various schools and other floodlit venues.
The committee at the club made the arrangements and the event was held on the old grass pitch prior to it being dug up ready to have 3G turf laid. The model used for previous successfully run “fun days” was employed, with free attractions and games provided on the pitch for the children along with entertainment via a DJ in the background also food and refreshments. With it being the finals of the Euro’s that evening, people were also invited to stay on and watch the game.
The club wanted to highlight to the community the benefits of the new 3G facility and plans to further expand the clubhouse to be a true community hub. We wanted to let the children know that this was their club, the changes would benefit them and being part of the club was a good thing to be proud of.
Based on previously organised similar events, we had to organise bouncy castles and inflatables, hire external tables and benches, hire a DJ and extensively advertise the event via social media and traditional leafleting and banners. As we had done similar events in the past, the experience was there to organise and have everything in place for the day of the event on Sunday 14th July 2024 as well as inviting external caterers and an Ice Cream Van.
We were thankful for the advice and help of Action Together in putting the proposal together for funding.
A task checklist was compiled and action points allocated to various committee members and volunteers within the club to bring everything together. This ranged from booking the attractions such as bouncy castle and inflatables, DJ and outside catering, to sourcing and setting up additional games and activities on the pitch using existing equipment from the club.
Volunteers used Social media to advertise on various local Facebook groups, Twitter and Instagram along with walking the streets posting leaflets in letterboxes.
The event was organised well, ran smoothly and verbal feedback was good from those attending!
One “challenge” was that the 12 foot banner we purchased to advertise on Broadway disappeared overnight. We don’t know whether this was theft or whether the Council or National Highways removed it because of a safety concern. Enquiries were made, but nobody admitted responsibility. Although we have used a banner in the past, it’s unlikely we would do so in future.
It’s difficult to quantify a measurable result as the day was intended to be an enjoyable day for local families whilst making people aware of the our plans.
Once the 3G pitch and associated work on car parking, landscaping etc. is completed, we intend to move onto a “phase 2” involving an extension of the clubhouse. As well as improved changing facilities based on the requirements of women and girls football, disability access will be improved with lift access to the first floor function room.