A football club in south Cumbria has been backed by nearly £20,000 worth of funding to improve its facilities and general participation.

Millom AFC shared the news on Monday, November 4 that they had received £19,490 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The hope is that this injection of money will help it expand upon the large number of teams that already operate under the club's banner.

Mike Betteridge, the Chair of Millom AFC, said: "Our mission is to provide a focus for football in the local community that is all inclusive, including age, gender, ability and disability.

"We presently run four senior teams, 12 junior teams, and have recently added walking football for older residents.

"Our aim this year is to focus on offering taster sessions for females at both walking and junior levels, and to grow our walking football participation."

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For Mike Askew, the Project Lead and a committee member at the club, the plans are almost two years in the making.

"In 2022, we ran some taster sessions for walking football," he explained.

"The amazing success of what is now Millom Ironworks Football Club - fully integrated into Millom AFC - has created the need for more and better quality equipment and led us to consider increasing participation levels of this group."

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The funding will also go towards the club's Changing Room Roof Project, with the replacement and resealing of the roof still needing to be completed.

Mr Betteridge added: "It was essential we complete this work to create a weather proof seal before any further internal work could progress.

"By providing funding support for both capital and revenue projects, funders play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of Millom AFC.

"Their investment not only strengthens the foundation of our club but also enables us to continue serving the needs of our community, both now and in the future."