COLBY AFC TO BUILD OWN STAND WITH SUPPORT FROM MANX LOTTERY TRUST

Colby Football Club is set to go from strength-to-strength with a new 50 seat stand at its ground in the heart of the village.

Manx Lottery Trust has awarded a grant of £10,000 to the club which has been a member of the Isle of Man Football Association since 1920. Next year is a very special time when they will celebrate their Centenary year, and their aim is to continue to play a key role in the southern community.

The funding will go towards the building of a stand with disabled seating and access for which planning permission has already been granted.

Colby AFC chairman Dickie Gale said: ‘We are overjoyed that Manx Lottery Trust has confirmed this grant to us. Having our own stand is a natural progression for the club and, by increasing the number of spectators, we hope to encourage a proportion to get more involved and further develop our presence in the community.

‘The clubhouse is used most nights for activities such as keep fit classes and meetings and requires many volunteers. We also have a wide range of both male and female players of all ages and the AstroTurf pitch is in use seven days a week, not only by members but by other social groups and organisations.

‘It is rewarding to provide players with the facilities needed for playing and practising the sport they love.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘It is clear Colby AFC, a long-established club, plays an important role in the community. The Club continues to grow, is fully inclusive and welcomes members of all ages and abilities and is committed to encouraging football as a sport for everyone.’

For furtherinformation about Colby AFC, visit: http://colbyafc.com/