A WHARFEDALE football club is celebrating a funding boost that will help it make pitch improvements.

Leeds City Council's Outer North West Community Committee has agreed to approve Pool AFC's bid for a grant of £2,280.

The Pool-in-Wharfedale based club will use the money as part of a £5,222 project to improve drainage at its grounds beside Pool Sports and Social Club, off Arthington Lane.

Councillor Caroline Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) said: "I’m pleased the football club have been able to get this money to enhance their facilities.

"I know what a lot of work the volunteers put in every week to make this a well-run club and having the pitches in good condition will enhance its reputation around the district, as well as making it a great place for teams to play on and for visitors to enjoy.

"It is so important that the children are able to use it as much as possible as team sports build confidence, teach them how to be team players and give them space to run around outdoors."

Fellow Councillor and community committee member Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) added: "I am delighted Pool AFC were successful in their bid.

"There is a lot of work that is going to take place to ensure that during the next season less matches will be lost to the weather.

"The volunteers work very hard and this will ease the pressure on them by having a quality pitch to play on.

"The children at Pool C of E Primary School also use the facility and I am really keen that they can have the benefit of this, too."

*The club's junior section, meanwhile, is holding a free football taster session this weekend for boys and girls who will be aged under nine on August 31, 2019.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 30 - meeting at the changing rooms - and will run from 2pm to 3.30pm.

For more details contact Rob Gascoyne on 07780 994991, e-mail poolafc1968@gmail.com .