About the project

Waveney FC in Lowestoft  is a grassroots football club that provides opportunities for local people of all ages to take part in sport, training and community activities. The club plays an important role within the local community by creating a welcoming environment for players, supporters and visiting teams, while encouraging participation, teamwork and healthy lifestyles through grassroots football.

Prior to the project, the building was experiencing a number of maintenance issues that were beginning to affect its condition and efficiency. Rotten fascia boards and soffits, alongside failing and damaged guttering. The water penetration was already causing damage and, if left untreated, these issues would have continued to worsen, increasing maintenance costs and potentially impacting the long-term sustainability of the facility. This not only risked further structural deterioration but also reduced the building’s ability to retain heat efficiently.

The project:

VIY delivered a series of retrofit improvement works to help upgrade and maintain the club’s facilities, improving the condition, efficiency and longevity of the club’s facilities creating a more welcoming and functional environment for players and visitors.

The works focused on addressing issues with the building envelope that were contributing to heat loss and weather damage.

• Replacing the missing and damaged failed guttering system
• Replacing a significant amount of rotten fascia boards and soffits
• Preparing and repainting the entire exterior of the building
• Refurbishing the away team changing room
• Replacing inefficient light fittings with more energy-efficient alternatives

These improvements have helped protect the building from further water penetration and weather-related deterioration. By reducing heat loss, improving lighting efficiency and addressing maintenance issues before they became more severe, the project has extended the lifespan of the facility and reduced the likelihood of costly future repairs.

39 young people took part in this project –  referred by Bramfield House School, Bure Park Academy, Community Education Academy, DWP – Coastal Cluster, East Coast College, Horizon Community Training, Inspire Suffolk, Lapwing Education, Novaturient, Lowest and Waveney Family Support Team – Suffolk County Council, Suffolk County Council Children and Families Services, Suffolk Youth Justice Team, independent referrals

• 85% of learners had a physical disability, learning difficulty/disability or mental health condition
• 26% of young people were NEET, 72% were EET at Risk, 2% were EET Not at Risk

31 Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditations were achieved;

28 in Introducing Paint Finishing Skills, 3 in Introducing Site Carpentry Skills

Great feedback from our referral partners:

“Cody enjoyed his 3 days with VIY. When I collected him after his first day he told me that …. “We are volunteering helping the football club out and in return, instead of getting paid”, we get a qualification. Very insightful I thought.”