Shepton Mallet football club has received a One Off Large Grant from Shepton Mallet Town Council to support a new fundraising project called "Mallet on the move".

The club says the funding will go towards equipment to help maintain the pitch at The Playing Field, which it describes as one of the best playing surfaces in the area.

Club officials hope the grant will be the first step in wider fundraising efforts aimed at reducing long-term maintenance costs by allowing more work to be carried out in-house by volunteers rather than outside contractors.

The pitch has been looked after for around 40 years by head groundsman Rodney Neale, who has previously received Football Association awards recognising his work and dedication.

Rodney is now supported by three volunteers helping with day-to-day maintenance duties.

The ground is home to the club's senior, reserve and under-18 sides, with youth teams also using the facilities throughout the season.

Although the football season has now finished, volunteers are continuing work across the site during the summer months.

That includes painting, repairs and improvement work around the ground, clubhouse and changing rooms ahead of the new campaign.

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The club is also appealing for more volunteers to get involved.

Anyone interested in helping in any capacity is being encouraged to contact Graham Freestone by phone on 07960 411 810 or by email at [email protected].

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