A CLEVEDON football club could be banned from playing in its current league if work to improve its facilities is not carried out soon.

Members of Clevedon United Football Club have made a desperate appeal for support from businesses and residents in the town after being told drastic improvements are needed at their Southey Road facility.

For the first team to stay in the Somerset Premier League, Clevedon United needs to update its changing rooms, create a separate referee’s changing room and install new male and female toilets.

Club chairman Matt Nicholson said: “The FA is insisting that certain work is done.

“But, on a week-to-week basis we only just make ends meet.

“We need investment to keep the standards up.”

Matt and other members are hoping businesses and tradesmen in and around Clevedon would be willing to donate materials, time or expertise to help make the required improvements.

The club, which runs four adult teams and has more than 70 players, has also begun a fundraising drive in the hope of revamping the clubhouse and buying new equipment including goal posts, kits and balls.

Fundraiser Dena Mann said: “The football does draw more players, however, unless we have extra support we can’t improve the facilities.

“If we can improve it, people are more likely to use it.

“If the community pulled together it would be a fab place.”

Matt added: “The clubhouse is somewhere where the local 16-year-olds can go in and be adults. It has a good community feel.”

A fundraising black tie and cocktail evening will be held at the club at 7.30pm on December 10.

This will include a raffle, auction and disco as well as a balloon release, with people invited to pay �1 to write a message on a balloon.

Tickets, priced �7.50, are available from the club or Matt or Dena.

The club is also looking to start its first ladies’ team and is looking for a ladies team coach. Anyone interested in joining or coaching the team should call Matt or Dena.

* Anyone interested in helping or joining Clevedon United Football Club should call Matt on 01275 871840 or Dena on 07863 785800.