AN ambitious North Yorkshire football club has enjoyed success both on and off the field as it develops exciting plans for the future.

Richmond Town FC have been awarded FA Charter Standard Development Club status, a vital first step on the road to their aim of becoming a Community Club by the summer of 2005.

The award comes at the end of a tremendous season for the club's junior section, which has seven teams. The under-14 and under-15 teams both won the Teesside League Challenge Cup in their respective age groups, with the under-12s winning the cup and league double in the Richmond and District League as well as the Rowntrees seven-a-side tournament in York.

Much work has already been done to achieve development club status, including having at least one FA-qualified coach for each junior team.

Gordon Dryden, an ex-professional in Scotland whose former clubs include St Mirren and Hibernian, has been appointed director of coaching.

But more needs to be done on several fronts to meet the FA's criteria for Community Club status. These include the establishment of a minimum ten teams, at least one girls' or women's team and the appointment of a schools liaison officer.

The main stumbling block to the club's chances of further progress is a lack of facilities at their attractive Earl's Orchard ground.

Chairman Ian Prosser, who has developed a strategic plan to take the club forward, said: "The club suffers from a lack of facilities, particularly if it wants to develop more opportunities for girls who have started to join the very youngest teams and develop the senior team further."

He believes it is vital that the senior team, who are currently in the Teesside League, play at a higher level. This would help the club retain its best young players for longer.

A place in the Northern League is the ultimate aim, but better facilities, including floodlights, will be needed.

Opportunities for development at Earl's Orchard are strictly limited, so the club has begun talking to the town's rugby club about ground-sharing possibilities.

Earl's Orchard would continue to be used by the junior section.

The award of development club status will open up various funding avenues, such as grants from the Football Foundation and Sport England, but the club is also keen to hear from local people who may be able to help.

As well as additional sponsors, fundraisers and coaches - particularly young people - the club also needs someone to help develop and runs a women's section.

Much valuable support has already been received from existing sponsors Castle Walk Sports, the Turf Hotel in Richmond and the Amey Group.

The club have clearly laid solid foundations for the future, with the talents of the younger players beginning to attract interest from professional clubs.

Junior teams on Teesside have traditionally had more success than outposts such as Richmond and the club's exploits this season have earned the respect of opponents.

Mr Prosser said: "The under-14s reached the final of the North Riding cup and only lost in extra time to Marton. They told us we play football in the right way, which is something we are trying to instill throughout the club."

* Anyone who would like to help the club in any way can contact Mr Prosser on 01325 718924.