CELEBRATIONS were taking place on the Felixstowe peninsula today after the first of three vital community projects secured a massive grant.Residents in Kirton and Falkenham have been trying for years to rebuild their sports complex to improve facilities for all ages and were today rewarded with a £146,570 grant.

CELEBRATIONS were taking place on the Felixstowe peninsula today after the first of three vital community projects secured a massive grant.

Residents in Kirton and Falkenham have been trying for years to rebuild their sports complex to improve facilities for all ages and were today rewarded with a

£146,570 grant.

The money towards the £210,000 scheme was given by the Football Foundation, the UK's largest sports charity.

Kirton's success also provided great encouragement for the Vicky Hall Memorial Appeal at Trimley, which is also seeking grant aid of around £140,000 from the foundation and has already raised £100,000 towards its project.

Bucklesham also has a £122,000 venture for which it is busy raising cash.

Chairman of the Kirton and Falkenham Recreation Ground Committee, Phil Barker said: "We are delighted by this award which comes as the culmination of three years hard work.

"In particular, the junior football club, Kirton Kestrels, has been of great assistance with their football development plan and funding activities.

"Our new pavilion was still only a pipe dream a few days ago, but now can become reality thanks to the foundation's grant."

The pavilion will feature four changing rooms, two referees changing areas and a social area. In keeping with foundation policy, all facilities will be fully accessible for disabled players and fans.

It will replace an existing pavilion, a dilapidated timber building with a leaking roof and described as "totally inadequate" and cramped. It is too small to cater for so many players needing to wash and change at the same time.

With their modern complex the committee will establish an annual mini soccer five a side competition, create new opportunities for football-mad girls in the community as well as boosting participation rates for footballers of all ages and abilities.

The foundation is dedicated to revitalising grass roots football and funding community projects using football as vehicle for social inclusion.

Funded by the FA Premier League, FA, Sport England and government, it has an annual budget of £53m per year.

Foundation chief executive, Peter Lee said: "All footballers deserve the opportunity to play on good pitches and to have access to modern changing rooms. We would encourage all clubs to come to us to see what funding is available for them.

"The Kirton and Falkenham Recreation Ground Committee deserve our congratulations for their excellent project and for their dedication in bringing modern facilities to hundreds more players."

Kirton and Falkenham recreation ground is used for football by two senior clubs and a junior club with 100 members.

The new building will also be used by various village groups and as a base for other sporting activities in the area.

WEBLINK: www.footballfoundation.org.uk