Norton and Stockton Ancients will officially open their new clubhouse soon, and complete a remarkable transformation at Station Road.

Gone are the days when Norton’s facilities were reckoned to be amongst the most basic in the league, and instead they will boast a set up that will be one of the best in the area and in the Northern League.

And they have been given a further boost by an agreement to allow big neighbours Darlington to use their pitch and facilities for first team training.

Secretary Steve Lawson said: “We believe that the double tiered facilities are excellent, and they will be amongst the best in our league and the league above. We have a function room, new changing rooms for players and officials, a bar area, a physio room and hospitality area. . They represent a big step forward for the club.

“Year-on-year, the facilities have improved. In recent years, we’ve built a new covered seating area, a covered standing area, and new dugouts. The old tin sheds that used to be on the ground, for instance, have served their purpose and have gone. Bit by bit, we’ve improved both on and off the field.

“The most important thing is, that the facilities can be used by the community when the club doesn’t have a football match. The long term plan is for them to be used every day of the week, by all sections of the community, who don’t necessarily have to be connected to football.

“We’re also delighted that we’ve reached agreement with Darlington FC to use our facilities. It will be of great benefit to use, being linked to a pro club, and we hope that it’s the start of a long term partnership.

“The chairman, Mick Mulligan, has been the mastermind behind all this, and he deserves a huge amount of credit. He’s put a lot of effort into it, especially in sorting out the grants with the various bodies, such as the Football Foundation. As a club, we’re more than grateful to him.”

Manager Conrad Hillerby, who helps with coaching at Darlington’s school of excellence, said; “It’s a huge step forward for the club, as it adds stability and will enable us to attract players. We’re really looking forward to having an association with Darlington.”

The club has an informal evening with local businesses on Friday July 8th, before the official opening with a friendly against Darlington on July 16th.