91Èȱ¬

A community youth football hub is to be established on the site of a former sports ground in South Yorkshire.

Doncaster Schools Football Association said it had agreed a new home at the former Pegler Sports and Social Club in Balby after "several months of negotiations and countless sleepless nights".

The group, which provides district football for children up to the age of 15, announced it had secured a 50-year lease at the 11.4-ace site.

Secretary Chris Daines said "the really hard work starts now" in terms of fundraising to help create its new base and community facilities.

Posting on social media, the non-profit organisation said it formed seven years ago with "a bag and balls from Cantley Park" but nowhere to train.

The group has been based at Armthorpe Sports Pavilion ever since, but said it required a larger home.

Plans for the new venue included multiple football pitches, parking and a community cafe and venue, with the group currently applying for grants.

"It’s been a long road but this news really does propel us to the next level," Mr Daines said.

"With the help of the fine people of this city we can deliver a facility that will ensure the school kids of Doncaster have somewhere to call home for many years to come and a facility we’ll all be proud of."

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