Tiptree Heath Football Cub need £100k for new facility 'for all the community'

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A football club is fundraising to build a new HQ with community centre and changing rooms which can be used by the whole village.

Tiptree Heath FC was founded in 1923 with members playing semi-professional football.

The club acquired its "spiritual home" site, in Colchester Road, after launching a £10,000 campaign in 2021.

The site has now been transformed with the help of groundsman Tony Weedon who has spent more than 1,000 hours volunteering at the club.

Tendring Heath chairman Keith Hughes said it was a big step forward but a community facility is needed.

Before - The old club house on the abandoned pitch (Image: Submitted) After - The transformed pitch on the Colchester Road Site (Image: Submitted) The facility would include a clubhouse, male and female changing rooms, a community centre and a carpark.

He said: "We cannot play football without changing rooms."

Mr Hughes said the cost of a brick-work build would have been £650,000.

Instead, a 'bolt-together' modern unit with ready-made parts was chosen at a cost of about £300,000.

Mr Hughes said Colchester Council and Tiptree Parish Council "have been brilliant" in supporting the club.

Colchester Council have pledged money received from housing developers - with the exact figure yet to be revealed.

The Essex Football Association are also set to donate £22,000.

Mr Hughes said he is waiting on the council to finalise its contribution, adding: "In the meantime, we do have to raise as much as we can.

"We have got a target to raise about £100,000."

Chairman - Club chairman Keith Hughes (Image: Submitted) Mr Hughes said the Tiptree Monarchs used to play at the site, so it would be a "return home" for them.

He added: "It would mean a great deal to Tiptree as they are developing in Tiptree quite a bit and villagers are looking for places for their kids to go.

"It's a community sports ground where anyone can be a member.

"The pitch can be available for groups like Slimming World and fitness classes or coffee mornings for other groups.

"It will bring another facility to Tiptree itself which is much needed."

Colchester Council has been contacted for comment.