COALVILLE Town Youth FC have thanked local company Aggregate Industries for 'getting them over the line' in completing their new, full-size, 3G football pitch and extended car park.

The Bardon Hill company have donated 'significant monetary and material donations' to towards the scheme.

The Ravens have since run into financial problems with the men's senior team now dropping into the United Counties League - following ex-chairman Glyn Rennocks' decision to step away from the club.

Before Coalville's youth set-up could receive grant funding for its 3G pitch, it was clear they would need to raise a minimum of £220,000 to put towards the project. 

As well as other fundraising efforts by the club, Aggregate Industries' Bardon Hill Community Fund donated the final £15,000 needed to complete the project.

Aggregate Industries was keen to offer further support to help the club complete its projects and grow - and donated 260 tonnes of Type 1 aggregate to complete the car park area at the club.

This year Coalville Town Youth FC will have around 1,000 children and young adults signed up to one of its many teams. 

This includes both male and female football teams across every age group from under sevens to adult teams, mini-football for those under the age of six, and inclusive football sessions.

In addition, the facility will be used by the wider community for walking football, well-being sessions, and as a training venue for other local football clubs and for Coalville Town Rugby Club.

Wayne McDermott, secretary at Coalville Town Youth FC, said: "We are so grateful to Aggregate Industries for not only completing our efforts to raise £220,000 to kickstart our 3G pitch project, but also then going above and beyond to donate such a large quantity of material from their local quarry to our car park.

"With our new 3G pitch, we will not only be able to better serve our many youth teams, but also offer more casual games, well-being sessions, and an educational programme run by Derby County in the Community. 

"In the past we have had to operate over four sites, however that's changed now the 3G pitch has been installed and we can use it seven days a week, which will enable it to become an important hub in the local community."

The new car park was completed just in time for the club's annual presentation weekend last month.

Lee Sleight, managing director of Aggregates at Aggregates Industries, said: "When we heard how close Coalville Town Youth FC were to raising the necessary £220,000 for their 3G pitch project, we were more than happy to help get them over the finish line. 

"Upon seeing the great work they do for so many children and young adults in the local community, we knew that there was more we could do to support them and were delighted to be able to utilise our expertise in construction materials to donate the much-needed aggregates for their car park."