Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground
Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground (often shortened to Eppleton CW) is a football ground located in Hetton-le-Hole in the City of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. It was created as part of the miners' welfare in order to provide recreational facilities to the coal miners at the Eppleton Colliery. It featured facilities for both cricket and Association football. It became the home ground of Eppleton CWFC in 1929.[1][2] The team folded in 2005.
Eppleton CW | |
  Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground Location within Tyne and Wear | |
| Address | Park View, Welfare Rd, Hetton-le-Hole, Houghton le Spring DH5 9NA |
|---|---|
| Location | Hetton-le-Hole |
| Coordinates | 54.8280°N 1.4543°W |
| Owner | Hetton Town Trust |
| Type | Football Ground |
| Capacity | 2,500 (250 seated) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1929 |
| Renovated | 1993 |
| Tenants | |
Eppleton CW F.C. Sunderland Reserves Sunderland Ladies Sunderland Ladies County Durham FA Hetton Lyons FC | 1929–2005 2007 – Present 1989-present 2009 – Present ? - 2009 |
| Website | |
| http://www.hettontowntrust.co.uk/ | |
The ground was redeveloped in 1993 at a cost of £3m after Eppleton CWFC reached the Northern League Division One. The main stand was rebuilt, incorporating a cantilever roof and seating for 250.[3]
In 2007, Sunderland Reserves moved to Eppleton CW after leaving New Ferens Park in Durham. It continues to be the home ground of Sunderland U23s, though academy rules mean they must play at least four games per year at the Stadium of Light.[4] It is also the home ground of Sunderland A.F.C. Ladies, who moved back to Eppleton CW in 2018 after spending one year at Mariners Park in South Shields F.C..[5]
Eppleton CW is the home of County Durham FA U18s teams,[6] and is also the neutral venue for the final of the Durham Challenge Cup which has been contested since 1884. The final traditionally takes place every Good Friday.[7]
Hetton Burn runs alongside the West side of the ground. Behind the goal on the North side, is the Hetton Centre, a community centre, evolved from the original miners' welfare building, operated by the Hetton Town Trust. The centre contains the Bob Paisley Bar, named after the former Liverpool F.C. manager who was born in Hetton-le-Hole.[8]
References
- P, Chris (2014-10-04). "Damage In The Box!: EPPLETON COLLIERY WELFARE GROUND". Damage In The Box!. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- "EPPLETON C.W." www.joedixon9.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- Shaun. "* The 100 Football Grounds Club *: My Matchday – 295 Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground". * The 100 Football Grounds Club *. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- "Eppleton CW Guide". Sunderland Association Football Club. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- "Sunderland Ladies return to Hetton – She Kicks Women's Football Magazine". She Kicks Women's Football Magazine. 2018-08-07. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- "Local football: Eppleton CW ground boosted by Durham FA". Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- "Whickham thrown out of Good Friday Durham Challenge Cup final, with West Auckland reprieved". Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- "Hetton Town Trust". www.hettontowntrust.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
