Mansfield's first grass roots football grant has allowed the club to create a new generation of community sports facilities for players of all ages and abilities.

The Debdale Park Sports and Recreational Club features a new 10 room pavilion, replacing the four old shipping containers, which were shared between the 15 teams that used the site and had severely limited the development of the game in the town.

The club estimate that membership will raise by 50% over the next few seasons, particularly from amongst local girls who will be offered specialised coaching and mini soccer sessions. Disabled players will also be encouraged to take up the game and links will be formed with a nearby special school.

The cash boost is part of a £9.4m Community Club Development funding package developed by Sport England, the Government and the Football Association to forge stronger links between the country's leading junior football clubs and their local communities. The Football Foundation was tasked with distributing the funds, which will help to provide quality coaching and safe environments for young people to enjoy the national game.

Funded by the FA Premier League, the Football Association, Sport England and the Government, the Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities.

Kelly Simmons, The FA's National Football Development Manager said:

"The partnership between The FA, The Football Foundation and Sport England has ensured that another twenty FA Community Clubs, such as Debdale, will receive funding to support the provision of safe, fun and quality football for young people.

"These kite-marked clubs are at the forefront of football development in this country, and The FA are looking for more clubs around the country to sign up to The FA Charter, and potentially put themselves at the front of the queue for future funding.

"In line with the aims of The FA Facilities Strategy, forty percent of this £9.4million from Sport England has been actively targeted into some of the most deprived wards in the country, ensuring that communities in most need, benefit from this investment."

Peter Lee, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, welcomed the opening:

"This facility will strengthen the bond between local clubs and the communities they serve. I am delighted for Debdale Sports Club that they are now playing a vital role in developing the grass roots game in their area.

Chief Executive of Sport England Roger Draper said:

"The facility is key to the local development of football and we are committed to making sure that the club continues to provide access for the community. Debdale was identified by the Football Association for investment and we are pleased to support this investment through the Football Foundation which will have a positive effect on the grassroots development of the sport."

For further information on the Community Club Development Programme please contact Sport England on 020 7273 1500