The generous amounts of £156,907, from the Football Foundation, and £29,311, from the Norfolk Youth Fund will go towards the ongoing refurbishment of the FDC and to transform it into a state of the art football facility.
On the day Mr Clarke was given a guided tour of the facility by Norfolk FA Chief Executive Shaun Turner and Chairman Ian Bishop, to see at first hand the current redevelopment, which will see new 3G surfaces laid on 8 small sided pitches and one larger show arena.
When speaking with local media in attendance, Mr Clarke referenced that his two sons had both previously enjoyed playing football at the centre and that in his view, such venues helped young people to use the energy constructively.
This sentiment was echoed by Shelagh Hutson, cabinet member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, who said:
"I know the young people who considered the application (to the Norfolk Youth Fund) were very impressed by what they heard. This tremendous facility will give young people a place to go and enjoy themselves in a safe, friendly and organised environment. It will give them somewhere to exercise, make friends and learn new skills - all things which are vital in their development to adulthood. I congratulate the Norfolk FA for their success in bringing various sources of funding together and I am sure their hard work will pay dividends and that the centre will prove tremendously popular with young people in both Norwich and Norfolk."
The work at the FDC will continue throughout the coming weeks, before a formal opening later in the year. Shaun Turner, rounded off the day by saying:
“We’re delighted to have been able to welcome Mr Clarke to the FDC, for the opportunity to share our vision with him and to formally receive these fantastic funding contributions from the Football Foundation and the Norfolk Youth Fund.
“These really are exciting time for grassroots football in Norfolk and the FDC will play an important role in servicing the local and wider football community as we take football forward in our county.”
For more information about the FDC and the various playing opportunities available at the centre, click here or contact a member of the FDC staff on 01603 748944.