There is better news for West Auckland FC, which famously won the first World Cup at the beginning of the last century, as it looks forward to renovating its stadium.
A £21,930 grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), a supporter of the Football Foundation, will mean the club can improve spectator facilities in the main stand at the Darlington Road Ground. There will also be improvments to changing rooms.
The fund has paid out more than £35m in two years to upgrade lower league grounds for professional and amateur clubs.
Chairman Lord Pendry said: "Modern-day football demands quality facilities and the FSIF is determined to carry on with this unprecedented level of funding to transform stadia throughout the country.
"By funding schemes such as these, the FSIF is providing clubs and fans with impressive new grounds and quality playing surfaces. It is vital for the survival of clubs outside the professional game that this investment continues.
"I pay particular tribute to the hard work and dedication of the chairman and all concerned with West Auckland FC for making this project a reality.
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