A SEVEN-YEAR project to revitalise a rundown hall and turn it into a home for a youth football team has moved a step closer thanks to a £17,000 grant from Essex County Council.
The Island Boys and Girls FC, Canvey, needs to raise £90,500 to buy and refurbish Smallgains Hall, which is shared with other groups.
The grant has come from the council's community initiatives fund and is part of a £114,000 council giveaway to good causes in the Castle Point area.
Steve Collins, club and project treasurer, said: "We were over the moon to learn we had received this grant from the council as it will make a real difference to us.
"It is a double boost to our community.
"Not only does it help us provide facilities to encourage youngsters to participate in all types of sporting activities and show good sportsmanship, it also improves facilities for a number of other popular clubs and societies on the island."
John Jowers, Essex County Council portfolio holder for localism, said: "The Island Boys and Girls FC is a very popular scheme and we are delighted to give it financial support."
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