Pulrose United FC seeks community support for new changing rooms

Life member speaks out over 'far from ideal' temporary site

A local football club is appealing for help from the community to build new changing rooms. 

Pulrose United FC has been in 'negotiations' with Douglas Council for a new facility after its former building was condemned and demolished and a temporary site put in its place. 

The changing rooms are currently owned by the local authority, but it's hoping to take on the lease under 'South Douglas Playing Fields Association' in partnership with another club to help resolve the issue.

Paul Henry, life member of Pulrose United, says the project went out to tender but these came back 'astronomically' higher than the money allocated from the council and the Football Foundation. 

The playing fields and changing room facility are also used by Douglas Athletic and Douglas and District.

Mr Henry added that away teams are currently using a former police station behind the playing fields, but the council has told the club this will be taken back to be used as part of a social housing development.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:

Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby said: "Following our election in 2021, Claire Christian MHK and I were approached by Paul Henry and representatives of Pulrose FC asking for our help. 

"Since then, we have attended every meeting with Douglas City Council, FC IOM and most recently the Football Association representative from the UK. We both firmly support the will to expedite the progression of this project. The commitment and resilience shown by Paul and Mo Powesland throughout this process has been exceptional.

"Together, we have worked to represent the views of the multiple clubs who use these facilities, making clear to the council just how important this community asset is. 

"The current state of the changing rooms is completely unacceptable for players, supporters, and visiting teams alike, and we have consistently highlighted the urgent need for improvement.

"In my capacity as a trustee of the Manx Lottery Trust, I have also encouraged the club to consider submitting an outline proposal to the trust in order to secure funding for the project. While I would not be able to vote on the proposal due to my close involvement, I would be able to champion the project and answer any questions from my fellow trustees before recusing myself."

A spokesperson from the Football Foundation says: “A new changing pavilion at Pulrose Recreation Ground was identified in our Local Football Facility Plan for the Isle of Man as a priority project to address the shortfall of grassroots facilities in the area.

“The Foundation is currently working with Douglas Borough Council, Pulrose United FC and other local grassroots clubs to develop an application for grant funding with a view to deliver this project and create more great places to play locally.”

Image: The site of the former Pulrose United clubhouse and changing rooms. Picture credit: Emma Draper, Local Democracy Reporter.

Anyone able to help the club is encouraged to contact Paul Henry on paulhenry@suremail.im.

Douglas Council, Claire Christian have been contacted for comment.