A FOOTBALL club has found a permanent home – up to 10 years after its former ground was sold off.

Leigh Athletic Football Club is settling in after it was able to negotiate a deal with Leigh Rugby Union Football Club to share its ground.

LAFC, which was established in 1958, was based at Holden Road, the former Leigh Harriers track, until the land was sold to a property developer, and it has struggled to find a permanent home ever since.

LAFC chairman Richard Renda said: “We have been homeless for the past eight to 10 years, but our ‘new home’ has given us more stability and the opportunity to lay down roots again.

“Now we can concentrate on developing the club and our relationship with the community.”

The club has also been working with East Leigh Juniors, a move that they hope will allow them to get closer to the community.

“The partnership between the three teams has allowed us to begin planning fun days and we hope the first will be in mid-July,” said Richard.

“Our aim is to promote the clubs and try and get more people down to our games at Leigh Sports Village.”

LAFC has three teams – a youth development team for ages 16 to 21 and two teams for those aged 21 and over.

The teams train twice a week and play in the Manchester league.

Cafe Stella will be the main club sponsor, while national DJ and events promoter Underground Artists will sponsor the first team.

To find out more, visit leighathleticfc.co.uk.