King James I Community has one main aim this upcoming season - to empower the clubs, groups and businesses that they work with.

With over 55 FA-affiliated junior and adult football sides scheduled in on their 3G facility, and in collaboration with four cricket clubs, three netball clubs and two dance groups, the function aims to continuously improve its facilities throughout the year, whilst offering a pricing structure cheaper than most other sports centres within the region.

Jake Pearson, Community Manager said, “We strive to provide the best possible service to our customers within a welcoming environment, whilst continuing to invest in our facilities with revenue generated from facility hire. We will continue to facilitate the clubs that we work with season-on-season, and support them in their growth within our local community.”

“We are proud to say that we work with a core of 35 local businesses, and their decision to advertise with us provides invaluable financial support. With footfall expected to hit a record high of 2,500 people on site every week from September, we are very much looking forward to continuing our working relationship into the future."

Earlier this year, the premises at the base of the Community function, King James I Academy, underwent further development. In addition to the implementation of a new and improved CCTV system, which included the addition of 25 external CCTV cameras, 450 solar-panels were installed onto the roof of the main school building to complement the fitting of new external LED lighting across the site. On the pitch, two four-seater dugouts were embedded in collaboration with Durham County Council, plus two new, box-net 11-a-side goals.

Two new trampolines and two futsal goals within the Sports Hall now enhance both community-led sessions and the academy curriculum, and thanks to the standard of grass pitches remaining at an advanced level following continuous maintenance and investment, King James are also delighted to announce their renewed partnership with local Northern League Division One side, Shildon AFC.

Jake added, “In addition to the many developments on our premises, our renewed partnership with Northern League Division One side Shildon AFC provides a solid foundation for both the Community and the Sixth Form offering. To work with a Step 5 non-league side, with their exciting plans of a new state-of-the-art 3G pitch at their Step 4 facility, marks an exciting time for both the Academy and Community function.”

“We would like to place on record our gratitude to our partners, customers, staff and businesses that we work with, alongside King James I Academy, and numerous funding bodies such as the Football Foundation, Sport England, Durham County FA and Durham County Council, for their continued support over the years.”

To find out more information on the clubs at King James I Community, including Bishop Auckland Girls FC, Bishop Auckland Ladies, Xtreme Dance Fuzion and Bishop Auckland Netball Club, please visit https://www.kingjames1academy.com/academylife/community/