A national energy company has pledged to sponsor a County Durham community hub facing closure.
UK Energy Management announced it will cover the full operational costs of Spennymoor Town Football Club's community clubhouse for the 2024/2025 season, after planning uncertainty.
Its sponsorship agreement also features various other supportive initiatives for the club.
Ian Geldard, managing director of Spennymoor Town Football Club, said: "We are hugely grateful for UKEM’s support, which will enable us to continue our community impact programme.
"Over recent years, the programme has helped deliver over 7,000 meals to vulnerable residents, host hundreds of community events and fundraisers, and provide a home to numerous organisations and groups."
(Image: CREO COMMS)
The community clubhouse, at the Brewery Field Stadium, propelled the Moors in the Community programme when it opened in 2019.
The following year saw the addition of a second-story function room which expanded the facility's use and introduced new community projects.
The building, made up of modular units, received temporary planning permission from Durham County Council in 2019 and was granted a two-year extension in 2023.
(Image: CREO COMMS)
The clubhouse also provides a Warm Space in winter, hosts fundraisers, and is home to over-50s and over-60s Walking Football teams.
In addition to sponsoring the facility, UKEM will support the Moors in the Community programme and sponsor the club’s women’s team and college development programme.
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This support will also allow the club to offer free season tickets for all its youth academy players and a few community-use season tickets.
UKEM founder and CEO, Steven Copeland said: "The facility is far more than a clubhouse.
"It’s a vital support hub which has provided a lifeline to hundreds of families, particularly during the pandemic and cost of living crisis, so as soon as we found out they were looking for support, we didn’t think twice.
"As a company, we take great pride in our North East roots and supporting the local community, and Spennymoor Town Football Club is a club which shares those exact same values."
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