Shildon AFC is pleased to share a six‑month update on the club’s growing community impact following the installation of the FIFA‑quality 3G surface at the J Denham Metals Stadium at Dean Street.
Over the past six months, the club has hosted more than 90 FA‑affiliated fixtures and delivered an average of 30 hours of weekly training use on the new surface. This has welcomed hundreds of teams and thousands of players from a wide range of leagues, divisions and tournaments.
The facility has also attracted several professional clubs, including Hartlepool United FC Men’s First Team, as well as professional women’s sides from Arsenal FC, Manchester City FC, Newcastle United FC and Sunderland AFC. With further cup finals, tournaments and fixtures already planned, the club is confident that its role within the local community will continue to strengthen.
Following the success of the club’s Christmas Fun & Food programme, Shildon AFC was delighted to launch the Easter Fun & Food programme this week in partnership with Durham County Council, supporting children across Shildon and the surrounding areas. Details can be found here: https://www.durham.gov.uk/
The club is also proud to announce the launch of a new adult sports inclusion programme, delivered in partnership with the PCP and Happiness Hubs fund. The programme begins on Tuesday 24 March, and anyone with questions is encouraged to contact: jake.pearson@shildonafccic.com
Shildon AFC CIC Community Manager, Jake Pearson, said:
“The investment into Shildon AFC last year marked an exciting new chapter for the club, and we are delighted to have delivered such a comprehensive programme of activity over the past six months. We believe the club is now operating at a social, health and economic impact level of over £1.25 million for the local community, which we are incredibly proud of.
We would like to once again extend our gratitude to all clubs, businesses, supporters, individuals and funding bodies that have supported us on our journey so far. We look forward to continuing this work together in the months and years ahead.”
Shildon AFC would also like to take this opportunity to wish all partner clubs the very best for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Shildon AFC would also like to take this opportunity to wish all partner clubs the very best for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
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