PLANS to grant a 25-year lease of a sports pitch to a local football club in order to boost their junior teams are set to be approved at a meeting next week.

At Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, councillors will discuss plans to grant the lease of Mitchell and Darfield Miners’ Welfare Ground to Wombwell Main Community and Sporting CIO.

A report states that the lease will provide the organisation with the opportunity to make bids for capital funding, enhancing the recreational space available to Wombwell residents.

The first team currently play off Hough Lane, with the junior teams currently playing at the Mitchell and Darfield ground under a hire agreement.

A spokesperson for Wombwell Main told the Chronicle: “We fully support the proposed lease and see it as a vital step toward securing the long-term future of the Mitchell and Darfield Miners’ Welfare Ground.

“Gaining a lease will allow us to improve facilities, enhance the playing surface, and continue providing safe, inclusive spaces for local sport.

“The ground will become a central hub for our junior football section as our home ground at Hough Lane only has one small junior football pitch.

“We’re proud to build on the site’s heritage and ensure it remains a place the whole community can enjoy.”