A FOOTBALL club has been given a massive cash boost to ensure the future of the game at grassroots level.

A Football Foundation windfall of £800,205 will underwrite expansion plans for the Redcar-based Teesside Athletic FC, including a new pavilion with changing rooms and social areas and a range of pitches.

Boro skipper Gareth Southgate said: "As an Ambassador for the Football Foundation I know what great work they have already done in the area and alongside Boro's excellent Football in the Community scheme, a new generation of players in Teesside is getting the best possible start in the game.

"This latest project is set to lead the development of football in and around Redcar and on behalf of everyone at the club I offer congratulations to Teesside Athletic FC."

Part of the cash - £730,928 - is from a £9.4m Community Club Development funding package developed by Sport England, the Government and the Football Association to forge stronger links between the country's leading junior football clubs and their local communities.

The Football Foundation has also provided a further £69,277 package to help to expand opportunities for young people in the area to play football.

It is expected that membership among players of all age groups and abilities will now double, with more than 500 players using the site every week.

Links will also be developed with local schools, local authorities and North Riding County FA to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

The chief executive of Sport England, Roger Draper, said: "The facility is key to the local development of football and we are committed to making sure that the club continues to provide access for the community.

"Teesside Athletic was identified by the Football Association for investment and we are pleased to support this investment through the Football Foundation.

"It will have a positive effect on the grassroots development of the sport."