Oakfield FC has unveiled a brand new clubhouse kitchen after being selected for a nationwide grassroots football support scheme backed by Howdens.
The Ryde-based club was chosen as 1 of 450 clubs across the UK to benefit from the Howdens Game Changer programme, launched in 2023 in partnership with the Football Association to improve facilities at grassroots football clubs.
The new kitchen has now been installed at Oakfield’s clubhouse, helping to strengthen the off-pitch facilities used by players, parents, supporters and volunteers.
Clubman Ross Hammond said the upgrade would make a real difference to the wider club community.
“We are thrilled with our much-needed new kitchen.
“It means that the clubhouse can be used by the whole community, from our junior players to parents and supporters, and to our volunteers who give up their time each week to support us.
“And, it’s great to see first-hand how the Howdens Game Changer programme is having an impact on grassroots football across the country.”
Luke Chandler, depot manager at Howdens in Ryde, said the company was proud to support the local club.
“We’re incredibly proud to have supplied a kitchen to Oakfield FC.
“There is a lot of attention on grassroots football and what happens on the pitch but we believe that off-pitch facilities are just as important.
“Clubhouses are often the hub of the community, and the community that we operate in is incredibly important to us.
“If kitchens are the heart of our homes, then kitchens should be the heart of community too.”
The installation was completed by clubmen Geoff Dutch and Ross Hammond.
The Howdens Game Changer programme was launched with the backing of football figures Jill Scott and Chris Kamara, both of whom helped promote the importance of quality clubhouse facilities in grassroots football.
Good news!! Visited there as an away supporter, but they are so friendly in there!! Always welcoming and great banter!!