A BOLTON junior sports club are hoping to be pioneers for others to provide a sustainable future for themselves.

Last week it was announced Moss Bank had been successful in its funding bid which will see the creation of Moss Bank Community Sports Club (including the existing Junior Football Club) and the taking over of the management of the pitches from the Council on a 25-year lease.

Chairman Gary Russell said: "It’s a massive step for Mossbank Sports Community and the young people of Bolton.

"This is a partnership with Bolton Council so we can generate revenue streams through hiring the pitches for other sports and improve the facilities on offer.

"It will not just be for football but also rounders and cricket.

"We want to increase participation in sport and it gives us an opportunity to develop further our reputation of producing to junior footballers.

"I think there will be other clubs who will want follow our blueprint when it is successful.

"When you look at Bolton Lads and Girls club they have a successful facility and hope to be this year too."

Despite the club's delight over the new partnership, it will not be an easy ride.

Russell said: "The tough work starts now, we have to make pitch improvements and are accountable for actions.

"I think council will be looking at us and other clubs could follow our example.

"There are a lot of people who we need to thank for helping to get this off the ground.

"It has been a relatively quick turnaround since we first started on it in December.

"Dawn Lythgo, Malcolm Russell and Kelly Warriner have been great at Bolton Council.

"Marcus Howarth was our founder and has built this club from having just two teams to having 30 competing next year in the Bolton, Bury and District League.

"Warren Barlow and Kevin Davies have also really helped out and we are thankful to them."