Pontefract Collieries and Shildon land £50K Buildbase windfall

By Neil Taylor

PONTEFRACT Collieries and Shildon AFC are this year’s Non-League clubs sharing the £50K Buildbase Community Club Award.

Following a virtual pitch to The FA and FA Trophy and Vase competition spsonsors Buildbase, the clubs will receive a £25,000 bursary covering building, electrical and hire materials to renovate facilities, judged as much on community involvement as football investment.

A new kitchen will help the Pontefract Collieries, community support local families with renovations improving changing rooms, showers, toilets and clubhouse bar, plus added disabled access in seating and toilet areas.

Chairman Trevor Waddington and Vice-Chairman Tom Wiles said jointly: “We’ll continue supporting our local community ensuring Pontefract and Wakefield remain strong and vibrant.

“We’re proud to be part of this town and working with the community to improve the long-term prospects of its people.”

Meanwhile, Northern League Shildon AFC plan a community garden, café and outdoor seating area with wi-fi, supporting its homework club for two local schools.

Outdoor space will also offer a walking area for the over-60s, lawn bowls and a place for kids’ clubs.

The pandemic saw the club supporting the community delivering food for local charities, organising holiday courses and meals for disadvantaged children and socially-distanced visits for supporters with mental health issues.

Chairman David Dent said: “This gives us a new dimension and more flexibility for how we stage matches.

“This helps many people in the community with the facility seen as a real asset to the town.”

Andy Tompkins, Buildbase Business Change Director, said: “Non-League clubs demonstrated incredible community support during the pandemic, reflecting what the Buildbase Community Club Award is all about.”