A NEW state-of-the art £250,000 clubhouse at Burnham United AFC has been officially opened.

The new building, funded via a host of donations, was launched on Sunday at a special event with a host of local dignitaries attending the day after the club's match against Clevedon United.

The new clubhouse will be used by both the football club and Burnham United Juniors, providing both teams with top-notch facilities.

It was funded by Viridor Credits, Sedgemoor District Council, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and the National Lottery Awards for All, with other monies donated from the team's sponsors Fusion Leisure, and thousands raised from the club's internal fundraising.

The new building has also been named after Albert Laurence, who volunteered at the club for more than 50 years before he died, and his wife Rose and Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Michael Clarke officially opened it.

Matt Counsell, chairman of the club, said he was thrilled at the new clubhouse and said he hoped it would benefit generations to come.

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Counsell said: “Today was a culmination of a lot of hard work by the club to enable these fantastic facilities to be built which the club are so proud of and will benefit the local community for many years to come.

"I am personally delighted that the Laurence family could attend and accepted the club’s invitation to open the building in memory of Albert as a token of our appreciation for everything he did for Burnham United AFC and it is sad that he never got to see the new building.

"In the 50 years he was at the club he raised more money through members' draw and various sponsors than the new build cost which is simply incredible.

"The whole club are extremely grateful for all the support that people have given the project and all those who have helped fund it being built."

As well as the mayor, representatives of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, Viridor Credits, Fusion Leisure, the Somerset FA, the Somerset County League, Weston-super-Mare and District League and life members all attended the official opening, with all the dignitaries taken on a tour of the new building.

Ollie Taylor, project manager for the development, said: “Burnham United have come such a long way in such a short period of time.

"Thanks have to go to so many people that have helped this project along the way. It’s a nice feeling to know that our roof no longer leaks during the winter months and I firmly believe we now have facilities that will benefit the community immensely.

"Our committee will continue to work hard to improve every element of the club and have further plans for pitch improvements. Our aim is to be the best club in the area with the best facilities and the best players.”

The club is always keen to welcome new members and the clubhouse is available to hire for functions.

For more details contact club secretary Pauline Smith on psmithburnhamutd@hotmail.com