FURD staff were cheered following a decision by the Sheffield Futures Board to give the official go-ahead to the Porter Project, which will include a youth work base, all-weather floodlit training pitch, changing rooms, community rooms, and - especially important following the recent fire at The Stables - a new home for Football Unites.
Over £150k has already been earmarked, and the way is now clear to submit bids to The Football Foundation, Big Lottery Fund and Enventure.
If all goes well the facility could be open for use by the end of 2005.
"This is a very timely boost to morale for everyone connected with Football Unites" said co-ordinator Howard Holmes. "We are more determined than ever to see the dream of a purpose-built centre become reality."
*See the link below for details of the Porter Project (page 28 of 2003 Review):
Football Unites´ Review 2003 (PDF)