A North Somerset football club’s ambitions to refurbish its clubhouse have received a boost in the run up to Christmas after a donation from a local house builder.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley presented a cheque for £2,000 to Ashton & Backwell United FC at their ground, the Lancer Scott Stadium, as part of its Community Champions programme.

The club, established as Backwell United in 1911, play in the Uhlsport Somerset County League Division One and will put the funds towards making the club house an asset that can be used by the community, not just the club itself.

The five-star developer will soon be bringing 90 new homes to its Farleigh Fields development in Backwell – 27 of for to a local housing association – alongside six self-build plots, a playground, an attenuation pond, public open space, and ecological enhancements and buffers.

The scheme will also see financial contributions for a car club, sustainable travel, and bus stop and public rights of way improvements. In addition, Persimmon will also make a Community Infrastructure Levy payment of over £500,000 to support the scheme’s implementation.

Persimmon donates £700,000 to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year through its Community Champions fund. Recent local recipients include Backwell Playhouse, Nailsea & Backwell RFC, Bristol Baby Bank Network, and Bristol Normandy Veterans.

Commenting, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, Carly Spear, said “It is great to once again be supporting a local institution like Ashton & Backwell United as part of our Community Champions programme.

“The club is a great way for people in the area to live their love of football, whether as a player, a fan, or club volunteer and we at Persimmon just really wanted to support all those involved. Given the club’s project to refurbish the clubhouse, we’re thrilled our donation has come at such a good time for them and we wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.”

Matt Southern – Chair of Ashton & Backwell United FC, added “We’re very grateful to Persimmon for reaching out with their donation to the club, especially with our ambition to turn our clubhouse into an asset for the club from which the community will also benefit. It has been a tough time for us at Ashton & Backwell United so these funds are much-needed early Christmas present that will be appreciated by everyone at the club.”