CARTERTON Football Club is to embark on an overhaul of its ground after receiving almost £54,000 in grants.

Club officials have announced plans for a new 141-seat stand with disabled access and a clubhouse extension for its Kilkenny Lane site.

Chairman Rob King said the money would help “greatly enhance” the club.

The grants comprise £29,800 from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, £15,000 from the town council, and £8,990 from the Football Foundation, and the club itself has raised £35,000.

Club business manager Ashley Farmer said: “This development heralds the future of the club.

“Success brings success and we will now have a ground which is of a good enough standard for our first team to start moving up the leagues.

“But more than that, it will bring a huge boost to everyone involved at the club, including all the youngsters and social sides that play here.”

Mr King said: “Although Carterton is a small country town we run some 25 teams, of which 20 are under 18s, resulting in football being the top sporting activity for our boys and girls.

“These new facilities due for completion early in 2010 will be a great enhancement for spectators, disabled visitors and our mini-soccer teams.”

More than £90m has already been invested by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund since it launched in July 2000, paying for lower league ground improvements throu-ghout the game.

Chief executive Paul Thorogood said: “I am delighted to be able to award these grants to Carterton Football Club.

“The money will help create a safe and modern environment for fans and players to enjoy the game.

“I pay a particular tribute to the hard work and dedication to all at the club for making this a reality.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk