Yatton & Cleeve United have received permission from the local council to build permanent dugouts at their new home ground.

Last season the Uhlsport Somerset County Division One side had to relocate to Hangstones Pavilion after their pitch at King George V Playing Fields saw a price increase.

After spending the campaign with portable wooden dugouts, the club approached Yatton Parish Council to build a dugout, which was approved, and will be in use for the first time on Saturday, August 12 against Ashton & Backwell United.

This paved the way for the dugouts to be built by no other than Yatton & Cleeve United’s Mike Harris.

Harris, who was awarded the 2022-2023 Chairman’s Award for his work on and off the pitch, is the first team linesman and helps set up the pitch every game.

“I’m absolutely chuffed to be a part of this build,” said Harris.

“I’ve been a part of the set up for a long time and it’s amazing to be able to give back to the club. It was a lot of hard work but it will all be worth it to see the final result. 

“I’m happy to see the back of those horrible wooden dugouts that we had to drag out before each game and then put them away after each match. I’m now super excited for the 2023-2024 season.”