THE new �1.1m clubhouse at Jubilee Park could be the key to the progress of Huntingdon Town and Huntingdon Rowdies. That s according to senior figures at both clubs, who have made the building central to their plans since it opened in September. The new b

THE new �1.1m clubhouse at Jubilee Park could be the key to the progress of Huntingdon Town and Huntingdon Rowdies.

That's according to senior figures at both clubs, who have made the building central to their plans since it opened in September.

The new building, comprising six changing rooms, three match officials' rooms, physio room, committee room, and the fully-licensed Hunts Post bar, kitchen and function room, could be an important step in the growth of football in Huntingdon.

The aim is to develop the clubhouse into a community centre to be used every night of the week, with the profit generated sustaining the future progress of both Huntingdon Town and the Rowdies.

Huntingdon Rowdies secretary Allan Dalrymple said: "This clubhouse is part of the 10-year plan we are drawing up at the moment. It's going to mean we can have more teams, and will open football up to more people."

Dalrymple hopes to run two teams at each age group from U7 to U16, to develop girls' football at the club, and to achieve FA Community Club status.

"We want the clubhouse to become an important part of the community where everyone feels welcome, and we are always looking for volunteers to help us achieve that," he added.

Huntingdon Town chairman Hans Reif said Town would aim to use the clubhouse as the springboard for a concentrated promotion push.

He added: "The new facility is a fantastic bonus and will really help the club to push on.

"On the footballing side, we are by no means out of the running for a promotion spot, especially if you consider that other clubs' facilities may mean they cannot be promoted."

Town lodged their application for promotion with the league in December, opening the door to promotion if they finish high enough in the league. Plans are also underway to install a �7,000 50-seater stand, a requirement for entering the UCL Premier Division, at the end of the season.

Reif added: "This clubhouse is a fantastic statement of intent for the club, and the steady source of income should help to stabilise the future of the club.

"We have already had a lot of great feedback from visiting teams - they are really impressed with the project."

INFORMATION: Both clubs need volunteers to help with the running of the clubhouse. If you are interested in helping, or booking the facilities for a function, call Danielle on 07970 477821.