After our first two seasons at Hillsborough College sports complex which was even home to a record year unbeaten there in the league, AFC Unity are moving home games east, to Fir Vale Community Sports Centre.
‘We’ve talked so long about the importance of our grassroots in communities with things such as our Football for Food campaign,’ said AFC Unity Manager Jay Baker. ‘Now this is a fantastic opportunity to work with our friends at Active8 by utilising their brand-new 3G and excellent facilities at Fir Vale Community Sports Centre, right around the corner from one of the food banks we serve and in a diverse and thriving community, right in the thick of it.’
Although currently AFC Unity’s 11-a-side teams still train at Hillsborough College sports complex, co-founder and first team captain Jane Watkinson cites the shift of home ground as a key part of AFC Unity’s passion to connect with more areas and people in the city. ‘There is a real sense of community here in Fir Vale, one we want to work with even more to build on our momentum as a socially-minded club about far more than just football,’ said Watkinson.
Baker added: ‘We are all about positivity and social good, and that’s one of the reasons we want to be here in Fir Vale – we want to be a part of the community and offer a positive contribution to it, and the pitch is perfect for us and our playing style!’