HAMILTON Panthers are hoping to carry out a £500,000 project to provide their young footballers with much-needed modern facilities on the Little Knavesmire.

The club, the first to achieve junior FA Charter Standard status in York, are ready to submit a formal planning application to the City of York Council early next year for a new community clubhouse and public cafe next to York Racecourse.

Substantial funding has already been obtained while there will also be sponsorship opportunities for local companies, including possible naming rights in a prime raceday location.

The plans incorporate a large meeting room with catering and conference facilities with views over the Knavesmire, which will be available for public use and private hire.

On the project, a Panthers club spokesperson said: “It has become necessary because a feasibility report has declared that our current premises, built during World War Two, are no longer fit for purpose.

“Kids don’t want to use our dilapidated facilities any more so we must redevelop.”

It is also hoped that other sporting clubs, local schools and community groups will benefit from use of the clubhouse, which is provisionally scheduled to open in mid-2013.

To find out more about the plans and the club, email simon.hamilton@googlemail.com or follow Panthers on Twitter or Facebook.