A Macclesfield grassroots football club are hosting a massive fundraiser this weekend to aid their playing surface.

Tytherington Juniors FC are hosting a Race Night from 7pm on Saturday, March 1, at The Brocklehurst Arms on Manchester Road.

Football development officer Matt O'Brien said: "We are trying to raise funds in order to be able to cut/maintain and rejuvenate Sandwich Drive Playing Field (next to Tythy Church)."

"Unfortunately, in Tytherington (and Macclesfield) we have very limited grass space for kids to play football on - we have been trying to hire Sandwich Drive for a number of years, but have always been told that the council/ANSA cannot afford to maintain it - now they have cut their budgets, effectively this will likely be an overgrown mess for years to come.

"We have taken the bull by the horns and committed to maintaining it on behalf of the council, this will not only benefit our players but also the community's children who we are sure would love to have another grass area to play on.

"Cheshire East Council have this week granted the first ever third party maintenance agreement, for a grassroots club to maintain their land, in order for children to play grassroots football (whilst also paying to use the pitches) - whilst we pay ANSA to maintain Rugby Drive, we have high standards for our players and want them to play on as good a service as possible.

"We are so proud of this opportunity, [it is a] testament to the work that has gone in behind the scenes by our team to get this over the line."

The race night is sponsored by a whole host of Macclesfield businesses, and there are plenty of prezzies to be won on a raffle also to be held on the night.

(Image - Greene King)

Prizes include a £30 voucher for the Rising Sun pub, a Chilli Banana Macclesfield voucher, a Hulley Road Mot Centre MOT Voucher, and a family of four tickets for Macclesfield Festival.

"We have a fantastic raffle that will be open on the night - with some incredible prizes, thanks so much to everyone that has donated a prize so far," added Matt.

"The funds we raise from our Race Night will hopefully mean we can afford to buy another mower to cut the grass, brand new regulation size goal posts, a container to house the mower and matchday equipment for Sandwich Drive.

"We believe that this will be approx £3,000 with the help of hopefully getting football foundation grants to help with costs, if we don't get any grants - likely cost will be around £6,000.

"We hope to make the facility the home of our Soccer School, U5s, U6s, U7s and our Goalkeeper training.... this will mean less footfall on Rugby Drive, thus - keeping it in better condition for teams to play their games on.

"Entry tickets are £10, which includes a free welcome drink - we have been blessed to receive race sponsorship from some very generous local companies, who we are so so grateful to but it is now our job to fill the venue.

"If anyone wishes to donate a raffle prize or buy a ticket to the night, feel free to WhatsApp Matt on 07942 913881."

Please bring cash to bet on the races.