A GRASSROOTS junior football club kicked off in style after being opened by the president of the Football Foundation.

Earlestown Athletic Junior Football Club, on Harrison Way in Newton-le-Willows opened their new ground called The Hive, for the teams yellow and black colours, on Saturday, June 17.

The development was paid for by £250,000 in grants from the Football Foundation, Sport England and the Cory Environmental Trust.

The 4.5-acre site includes new junior pitches, which were resurfaced and drained after being out of use for six years.

Lord Pendry, president of the Football Foundation, officially opened the new ground, and was joined by MP for St Helens North Conor McGinn and former Premier League referee, Chris Foy.

Lord Pendry said: “This facility will not only improve the training experience for the club, but will be of use to the local community as well.

“Grassroots sports has many benefits, and bringing communities together is just one of them.

“The Hive is an excellent example of the work undertaken by the Football Foundation, which delivers projects generously funded by money from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund.

“I’d like to thank Earlestown Athletic JFC for inviting me to be a part of their opening, and to see the Football Foundation’s work in action.”

Conor McGinn, MP for the St Helens North, said: “There is considerable demand for junior football here, and these new and improved pitches for Earlestown Athletic JFC help to meet this.

“Previously, the ground hadn’t been used for six years, so we are very glad to see it transformed into a real asset.

“We would like to thank the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, and the Football Foundation, for their continued support of grassroots sport in our community.”

Alan Syddall, club development manager of Earlestown Athletic JFC, said: “The Hive will provide much-needed quality football pitches for our players to develop and enjoy the game.

“EAJFC believes that teaching players the basics of the game at an early age helps them to become healthier and more respectful individuals.

“This is easier to deliver through improved grassroots facilities.

“We would like to thank the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund for their grant as well as our other partners.”