Kirkham Juniors launch appeal to secure future of grassroots football

One of Lancashire oldest grassroots football clubs has launched a £70,000 appeal to secure its future and is calling on local businesses to help ensure it continues to help and inspire thousands of junior players.

Kirkham Juniors FC was originally formed in 1972 and runs more than 20 teams for young players, thanks to the dedication of its volunteer coaches and committee members.

 It currently provides grassroots football for more than 300 players (both boys and girls) aged from under 5s to 18 and tens of thousands of youngsters have benefitted from representing the club over the last 54 years.

But it has had to rely on local authority and private pitches across Blackpool and the Fylde, meaning its teams don’t have dedicated match venues to call their own and games frequently fall victim to bad weather or pitches being overused.

Now Kirkham Town Council, working with Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has offered the club the chance to create a permanent home for its teams by using Kirkham Town Council’s William Segar Hodgson Playing Fields and pavilion, on Coronation Road, in the heart of the town.

However, in order to make the pitches suitable for the start of the 2026/27 season the club’s Project Home campaign needs to raise an initial £70,000 for emergency restoration work to bring them back to a safe, playable standard.

 Additional funding will also be needed to further enhance the site for the club and for wider community use in the future.

 As well as fundraising in the community, the club is offering business the chance to get involved through a range of support packages and ground sponsorship opportunities.

Jemma Hall, Kirkham Juniors FC treasurer and fundraising officer, said: “This is a huge milestone for our players, volunteers, coaches, families and supporters. Having a true home ground gives our club stability, identity and a base we can build on for years to come.

 "Community support is what makes clubs like ours thrive and bringing football back to Coronation Road keeps grassroots sport at the heart of Kirkham.

 “Without this work, the club would not be able to accommodate all its teams next season. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of youth football in the town and to create something which also benefits the community as a whole.

“Having the support of the council and Andrew Snowden MP means we can move forward with confidence and get the ground ready for our players."

Andrew Snowden MP said: “Kirkham Juniors is at the heart of our community. Restoring the pitches will allow more children and young people to play football, stay active, and develop important life skills. This partnership between the club, the council, and local supporters ensures these facilities are sustainable and ready for the future."

Kirkham Town Councillor Adam Brierley added: "We are proud to support Kirkham Juniors FC. This project is a great example of the town, the club, and our local MP coming together to invest in facilities that benefit young people, families, and the wider community. It shows what can be achieved when we work together."

 For more information or to support the project, please email [email protected] or visit https://tinyurl.com/KirkhamJuniorsHome