A THRIVING grassroots football team which ran into difficulty over its lack of an undercover stand has been provided a lifeline by a generous donor.

Stanway Pegasus’ squad of soccer stars currently play in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South, after making positive progress on the pitch.

They are also managed by Rosi Webb, who is the only female manager operating in the top tiers of the football pyramid.

However, as a result of their recent success, the team was required to install a sheltered stand at Stanway School, where they play their home matches.

Following a generous sponsorship from businessman Jack West, the club has now unveiled its 50-seater Ron West Stand on their 4G MUGA AstroTurf pitch.

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The improved facility, which will also be used by students at the school, means they can continue to feature in the top league.

Ian Booth, owner of Stanway Pegasus, said he was delighted to see the partnership continue to grow while supporting the community.

He added: “This is a fantastic story as a lot of our current team actually went to Stanway School and enjoyed great success as part of the school football team.

“We are so grateful to the school which has been really supportive from the moment we started playing there.

“Also, thank you to Jack West for his kind donation of the Ron West Stand, named after his grandfather.

“It is a fantastic stand and we are delighted it can also be used by the school and also the community.”

Jonathan Bland, headteacher at the Stanway School, said he is delighted to see the school’s powerful links with Stanway Pegasus growing ever strong.

“The stand is used by Pegasus for matches and training but the school can also use it as well as the wider community with the pitches available for hire,” he added.

“This partnership is particularly pleasing as some of the Pegasus squad is made up of former Stanway students who enjoyed so much footballing success at the school.

“This includes them winning the Essex Cup four years in a row and the district competition on more than one occasion.”