A Leicestershire community football club hit by the financial impact of the Covid virus has received a timely boost from Persimmon Homes.

Fleckney Athletic AFC runs a number of teams in local leagues and engages around 180 young players from the surrounding area. Normally the club organises various fundraising events to help fund its activities but this has been severely hampered by the pandemic, according to spokesperson Phil Bale:

“Our Christmas hamper raffle alone normally raises over £1800 towards kits and training facilities. Unfortunately we were unable to set this up due to coronavirus so we have been left short of funds.

“That’s why we decided to approach Persimmon under their Community Champions scheme. We asked them for £600 and we’re absolutely thrilled that they agreed. It will make a real difference to us and help us support all the young players affiliated with the club.”

Nadine O’Dowd, sales director for Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “More than ever, local sports teams and other community groups are playing a vital role in maintaining people’s health and wellbeing. Young people in particular have been hit hard by lockdown and the lack of opportunities to enjoy organised sport, so we are very happy to help Fleckney Athletic AFC in their hour of need.”

Persimmon is currently developing a number of new housing projects in Leicestershire, including Appleyard Park, a collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes in the village of Fleckney. The new properties offer the attractions of a rural lifestyle, yet lie conveniently close to the A6, connecting residents to nearby Market Harborough and Leicester.

For more information on Appleyard Park, contact the sales office on 0116 478 2862 or visit persimmonhomes.com/appleyard-park