A DUDLEY soccer club is hoping to win £25,000 to help improve facilities, based on its community work in the pandemic.

Gornal Athletic FC is hoping for a share of this season’s £50,000 Buildbase Community Club Award – giving two non-league clubs £25,000 each of building materials.

Judges from Buildbase and the FA will be looking for clubs that have gone above and beyond to support their community through the pandemic as well as feasible renovation projects that will benefit local people.

Gornal want to improve the outside areas of the Garden Walk Stadium, keeping the facilities up to standard and safe for spectators and visitors to enjoy.

During the pandemic, the clubs made its clubhouse and training area available to local disability and dog training groups as well as a local high school, so they can continue to run activities.

Clubs are encouraged to get fans to support their application through the club voting web page and social media. The club with the most votes will score a “golden ticket” with automatic entry to the final.

Winners will be announced in April with a special presentation at the Buildbase FA Trophy and Vase Final in May.