An East Lancashire football club has purchased a brand-new electronic substitutes board after a donation from two homebuilders.
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have continued their community outreach and support of Longridge Town FC with the donation to cover the cost of the board.
Joanne Cummings, commercial manager at the club, said: “In the last 12 months, our ground has had a change of name; the club is now known as playing at The Recycling Lives Ground. We have gone into partnership with a local business who is wishing to gain connections in the community, and also to encourage active lifestyles.
“We are equally excited to go into partnership with Barratt and David Wilson Homes, which are our neighbours. All the homes are designed to the highest standard and energy efficiency, and as a club we look forward to welcoming all new homeowners into the club.”
The club was formed in 1996 following the merger of Longridge St Wilfrid’s and Longridge United. They have progressed through the leagues from the Preston and District League and now find themselves in the North West Counties League.
The current manager, Lee Ashcroft, this year celebrates 11 years in charge of Longridge, having started at Preston North End as a schoolboy and featuring for the likes of Grimsby Town, West Bromwich Albion, and Wigan Athletic in his career.
Rhys Nicholson, managing director of Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “We are delighted to have made this donation to Longridge Town Football Club so that it can continue its great work with the local community. We look forward to seeing how the club fares for the rest of the season and will be cheering them on.”
Claire Jarvis, managing director at David Wilson Homes North West, added: “We are committed to creating a positive impact on the surrounding areas in which we build. Football can play a vital part in bringing a community together, so we would encourage all of our new residents to visit the club and offer their support.”
The club is located next door to Barratt Homes’ Bowland Meadow and David Wilson Homes’ Inglewhite Meadow developments.
The team trains twice a week and fixtures have seen them travel to Bury, Liverpool, and the Isle of Man.
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