FC United are asking fans to help them raise £15,000 to convert a disused cabin into new facilities for their academy players.
The ambitious non-league club opened their impressive new stadium Broadhurst Park in Moston in 2015, and always intended for the site to become a venue for the community.
With that in mind, the supporter-owned club also plan to use the building for community activities, breakfast and after-school clubs.
Academy coach Rhodri Giggs, brother of former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs, said that the new facility was an important step in the development of the club’s youth set-up.
“This building will provide us with extra space for our football academy students, which is sorely needed, as well as providing additional merchandising and catering outlets on a matchday,” he said.
“The new facility will provide a much-needed indoor space for our football academy students which they can use as a common room area to congregate in when waiting for lessons to start or before and after their training sessions.
“We really appreciate fans’ support on this. Together we can provide a great facility that will make a real difference to FC United’s Youth Academy students and everyone else who uses the space.”
The cabin, which was acquired from a club supporter, still needs insulation and electricity before it is fit for use by the young players.
The club is returning to Crowdfunder to drum up public support and raise funds without the backing of a wealthy owner after previously having success sourcing income through the platfom.
The ‘Kit Out the Cabin’ campaign comes after the National League North team raised over £50,000 to help build their stadium in 2014.
Along with their Crowdfunder campaign, the club also managed to raise an additional £2million from community shares.
Only in its 11th year of existence, the club now boasts a 4,400 capacity stadium and training facilities.
A spokesman for the club added: “Since the club moved into the Moston, we’ve been approached a lot by people who want to use the facilities but we’re limited on space.
“This building will give us more space for activities with community groups.”
FC United hope the building, once renovated, will be used seven-days-a-week by players and locals.
Click here to read more about the ‘Kit Out the Cabin’ campaign.
