Junior Soccer.

Byline: Graham Turton ,

Junior collegians are looking to settle down.

And they are hoping to have found the perfect spot in Lindley.

Following their move from Outlane Junior School to New College at Salendine Nook for this season, they now feel they have got the basis for establishing new roots.

And the proposed new ground is behind the Black Bull at Lindley and above Armitage's Garden Centre, and the club are celebrating the confirmation that Kirklees are willing to spend around pounds 45,000 making the land fit for football pitches.

The area is presently used by the club's Mini soccer teams but becomes unplayable after rain, so the development of the ground, which will include a drainage scheme, car park and footpath improvements will make the area fit for sport in the local community.

Club Development Officer Alan Meredith said:

"This is great news for the community at large and, in particular, the young people of Lindley, and would remove the uncertainty of where the club's Mini section would play in the future."

Mr Meredith thanked Kirkless Council Leisure Services and local Liberal Democrat Councillors Christine Stansfield and Tony Woodhead for their support in obtaining funding for the scheme.

The club had also received a grant from the Football Foundation, which has provided them with new kit and equipment worth pounds 700 as part of its Junior Kit Scheme.

Club chairman Brian Whitehead said:

"The kit and equipment are a huge boost and while the club has some way to go before reaching Premier League status, as least they will certainly look the part."

The club currently run teams at Under 11, 12 and 13 as well as Mini Soccer sides at Under 8, Under 9 (two teams) and Under 10 (two teams).

And this thriving club can now also boast three girls' sides, so the club are on a high at the moment.

But with Kirklees's involvement in addressing the drainage problems the club are looking to make this their home for years to come.

There is obviously plenty of hard work in store, but with the upheaval the club has had over the last couple of years to get their "own" pitches, to be able to set down roots will be a great thrill and a tremendous boost.

So, no wonder the club are celebrating, perhaps this could be the start of a prosperous time and some silverware in future seasons.