A junior football club from Sutton has so many members that it needs a FOURTH pitch to play on.

Youngsters at Sutton Juniors Football Club already play at three locations in Sutton, Glusburn and Cross Hills but increasing numbers mean the club needs another full-size pitch.

Sutton Juniors FC has been going for more than 20 years but the number of members has more than doubled in the past seven years.

It now has more than 160 youngsters, playing for 14 junior teams ranging from under-sevens to under-16s.

“This is an amazing level of support for a little village club,” said vice-chairman and coach Simon Butterfield.

When he arrived at the club in 2003 junior members numbered about 75.

Increased numbers have also meant success, as last season the under-nines finished second in their league while the under-10 B, under-11 A and under-12 A teams all won their leagues.

“We need to expand because it’s a club that’s going somewhere,” said Mr Butterfield. “Sutton village is producing some good players and some good teams.

“We have a lot of scouts from big clubs — like Leeds United, Manchester United, Burnley and Blackburn — who come to watch our players. But we need help. We need more space to bring Sutton Juniors Football Club up to another level.”

The two youngest teams play on a small pitch at Glusburn Community Primary School and the club also has teams playing at South Craven School.

But eight 11-a-side teams have to share two full-size pitches, one at Sutton Park and the other at South Craven School.

The club had used a third full-sized pitch at South Craven last season but a new all-weather facility at the secondary school has taken up that space.

Now Sutton Juniors face scheduling problems for Sunday matches next season.

“We might have to schedule four matches a day, with the first at 10am and the last at 4pm,” said Mr Butterfield.

“But families with children want to go off and do other things on Sunday afternoons. Football is important but families are more important. We could start losing players.”

Anyone who could help can ring Mr Butterfield on 07976 253999.