ALTRINCHAM FC is calling on fans and the town's residents to support its bid to revamp the club’s facilities with the help of builders’ merchant, Buildbase.

The club has applied to the Buildbase Club Renovation Programme, which launched this year and is open to teams entering the Buildbase FA Trophy and Vase competitions.

Up to £100,000 worth of building materials, electrical products and hire equipment will be divided between the two winning clubs, one from each competition.

Peter Foster, club volunteer, said: “We need to replace the club’s dilapidated and inadequate toilet and catering facilities. That would improve the quality of food provided to visitors and also provide more comfortable toilets for both home and away fans.

“And as the ground is also hired out to local senior clubs – such as Manchester United – as well as for charity matches and local cup finals throughout the year, improved facilities would benefit a significant number of people.”

Altrincham FC is now rallying the community to support its application online with the number of people supporting a bid forming part of the judging criteria.

To help the club stand a better chance of being awarded Buildbase’s product bursary, fans need to act now to register their support by February 17 at www.buildbase.co.uk/pitch-in-your-support and also Tweet using #BuildbaseRenovation.

Buildbase branches in the area – including Buildbase Stockport – will be supporting the club by providing information and advice about the building products required for a renovation project.

Kate Tinsley, CEO of Buildbase said: “Our branch teams are already an integral part of their local communities so it’s brilliant to be able to extend their support with an investment that will renovate football club facilities for the benefit of all. All clubs taking part in the competitions can apply and in partnership with The FA we will select the most worthy causes.”

Later this month, six shortlisted finalists, consisting of three Buildbase FA Trophy and three Buildbase FA Vase clubs, will be invited to pitch their project to a panel of judges from The FA and Buildbase at a 'Dragons' Den'-style event at Wembley. Two winners will be announced at the Buildbase FA Trophy and Vase semi finals on March 11. They will receive an award presentation for their building products on finals day on May 21, ready to start renovations over the summer.

The Buildbase Club Renovation Programme is a £200,000 product bursary running throughout 2017 and 2018.

Mark Bullingham, FA commercial director, said: “This scheme could be a real boon for clubs wanting to expand, attract more supporters and become a real hub of their local community. It will be both the non-league community and local fans that become the beneficiaries too, which can only be a good thing.”