Lifetime is again demonstrating its commitment to ‘giving something back’ to the local community – by helping a forward-thinking football club reach its goal.

Lifetime Managing Director Ian Dickinson has teamed up with friends and fellow local businessmen to help Penistone Church Football Club achieve their ambition of playing in the Northern Counties East League.

Ian, together with builder Geoff Roberts and ex-Church player and ‘local entrepreneur’ Jeff Poulson, have come together to donate precious funds to help the club realise their footballing dream.

Club secretary Dave Hampshire paid tribute to the men and their donations: “Without their help we wouldn’t have even thought about improvements.

“To be quite honest, I had to build up confidence to go and ask them! But they are very good friends, are passionate about the community and the place they live, and they said yes straight away.

“I was humbled and honoured by their generous response and support. They have been absolutely brilliant and we as a club are very appreciative.

“As a club we are aiming to move to the next level in the Football League pyramid. We had to finish in the top five in the County Senior League and have the improvements in place and we are on course to do that. We could finish second this season.

“On instruction from the football authorities, we had to make changes to the changing rooms, showers, have new dugouts, put new seats in the stand, put up little signs, have a new fence put up etc.. They were all the things not covered by the grant we received.

“We always had a decent ground, it just needed upgrading, and now thanks to the efforts of these kind-hearted people we are going for our dream.

“We want to go up to the Northern Counties East League. By doing that we not only raise the profile of our club, even our town, but it will mean our young players can aspire to play their football in a more prestigious league.

“The club also provides a centre for local people of all ages to meet, socialise and take part in sporting activities, in a friendly atmosphere.”

Lifetime MD Ian said: “Penistone Church FC is a tremendous asset to the local community and I am just thrilled that Lifetime can play a role in helping them. The people here, like Dave Hampshire, Gordon Beever, Richard Moulson and all the guys have put their heart and soul into making the club something to be proud of.

“It is all down to their determination and effort that Penistone Church is one of the best clubs in the area.”

The above picture shows then men behind the Penistone Church fundraising push: From left to right: Gordon Beever (club chairman), Richard Moulson (young age group team manager), Geoff Roberts, Ian Dickinson, Dave Hampshire (club secretary) and Jeff Poulson.

• Penistone Church FC are also holding a fund-raising sportsman’s dinner at The Fairway, Dodworth on Friday, May 17. Guest speaker is Barnsley-born former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley. Tickets cost £25 and includes a two-course meal. For further details contact [email protected]