YOUNG footballers could be given a major boost if an ambitious plan gets the green light.

Westbury Sports Club has been based at the Wellington Barracks Playing Fields, off Bexley Drive, Bury, since 1996 and has more than 300 children playing in 24 teams, from under 7s to under 18s.

Organisers want to improve the facilities but have been restricted due to the terms by which the teams can play on the land.

However, they are on the verge of signing a lease agreement with Bury Council, which means they can stay there for at least 25 years.

That gives the volunteers the ammunition they need to draw up plans for improved facilities.

Club secretary David Mottershead, said: “We are hoping to sign the lease in the next few weeks and that will be very good news for the club.

“At that point, we will have to assess what we would like to improve and what is possible.”

There are currently seven grass pitches, as well as a cafe, changing rooms and toilets.

The lease would allow them to improve drainage on the pitches, particularly on one pitch that suffers in wet weather.

In the long term, leaders can consider a clubhouse and other facilities.

Mr Mottershead said: “We would love to be build a two-storey building with a clubhouse on the top floor and an indoor training area below, but we have to consider a lot of factors.

“We have to take it one step at a time as we are all volunteers and want to handle it in the right way.

“But it is exciting and the lease opens up a lot of possibilities, which is great for the young people.”

Under the terms of the lease, the club would have to keep the land tidy and maintain fences and the council will maintain bushes and trees.

Members of the public will still be allowed to access the land at any time.