A football club struggling to renovate a pavilion after spending money to deter travellers has received help.

Players at Everett Rovers FC have opened its Leggatts Playing Fields pavilion on Saturday.

The event was joined by Watford MP Richard Harrington and Labour Councillor Asif Khan.

Glenn Peach, Chairman of Everett Rovers, said: “The clubhouse has been a long time coming and we would like to thank the Football Foundation and all the other funders and businesses that have supported us.

“Everett Rovers have continued to grow over the last few years and we feel that the clubhouse will take us to the next level and allow us to support even more children.”

The pavilion’s completion comes after a tumultuous time for the club – they spent thousands on an earthwork perimeter of its football pitch in August.

This meant that plans for the club to renovate its pavilion were put on hold, until the club received some help.

Thanks to investment from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund and delivered by the Football Foundation the club was able to build a new clubhouse.

The new facilities will replace three ageing steel containers which were previously being used as changing rooms and equipment storage.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Grassroots sport plays an important role in communities across the UK, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“That is why I am delighted that Everett Rovers FC has now opened their new clubhouse in Watford, thanks to investment from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund.”

Although Everett Rovers have their own ground, players haven’t had access to any facilities for the last 10 years.

It is predicted that the new changing pavilion will result in an increase of over 200 players at the club, which will be supported by the formation of 15 new teams across all age groups during the next five years.