Ponteland Rugby Club is the only league rugby club in Northumberland not to have its own changing rooms and social facilities, while Ponteland United FC cannot progress further up the national leagues without them.

The two clubs have set up a new joint company to manage the project and have already commissioned an architect and started consultations with county planning officials about the much-needed sporting facility.

The new clubhouse would be located on land between the rugby and football pitches adjacent to Ponteland Leisure Centre on Callerton Lane and include changing rooms, a social space and viewing balcony.

It would be open on matchdays, for training sessions and club social events, as well as for wider community use.

Ponteland United FC has 51 teams playing league football, including 48 junior teams from under-7s to under-23s and three adult senior teams. There are also 12 girls’ teams and a senior women’s team.

Ponteland United First Team competes in the Premier Division of the highly respected Northern Football Alliance League. Having won promotion in their inaugural season,
Women are progressing up the women's football league in style.

The football club’s senior teams are returning to the Callerton Lane site for the 2022-23 season after four years, having relocated during the development of the new Ponteland schools and leisure scheme.

Ponteland Rugby Club has three senior teams (1st XV, 2nd XV and 3rd XV), ten junior teams from age six to 18 and a newly formed Ponteland Tigers ladies’ team and girls’ section. The 1st XV play in Northumberland & Durham Division 1.

David Comeskey, President of Ponteland Rugby Club, said: “We want the whole Ponteland community to get behind us and support this ambitious initiative to create a superb new sports facility. We are the only rugby club in the county without our own changing rooms and social facilities and are determined to create a superb community sports venue.”

The clubs have set up a Crowdfunder page for donations and will be carrying out fundraising activity at events including the popular Ponteland Beer Festival, which is taking place on the rugby pitches on Friday and Saturday June 3-4.

Supporters can ‘buy a brick’ which will be personalised and included in a display in the new clubhouse, and anyone donating £1,000 or more will be eligible for an Honorary Vice Presidency with a season of VIP treatment at home and away fixtures.

Paul Brooks, Chairman of Ponteland United FC, added: “We have more than 50 teams playing league football from under-7s to adults but without this new facility further progression up the national leagues will not be possible. The scheme is not eligible for various national sporting funds, so we need to raise the entire amount ourselves. Please help us achieve our dream!”

Anyone wishing to donate to the campaign can do so via the Crowdfunder page at
crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pont-clubhouse-appeal