CAM’S new sports pavilion was officially opened last Saturday.

Parish council chairman Brian Whatling cut a ceremonial red ribbon and declared the building well and truly open.

The build project was funded by Cam Parish Council, with help from Sport England.

The pavilion now provides Cam Everside Youth FC and visiting teams with much needed changing rooms, toilets and a kitchen.

The new facilities were completed last year, save for a few finishing touches.

But a youth football tournament at the weekend provided the perfect opportunity for a proper launch.

The Severn Valley Youth Football League Tournament, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, saw the new facilities put through their paces, with nearly 1,000 young sports players at the event.

Christina Carter, Cam Parish Council vice chairman, said: “Cam Everside Youth FC is an amazing club which really does a lot for young footballers.

“The new facilities have really boosted the morale of the team members and the people that organise the club.

“As well as football pitches, the playing fields have a skate ramp and play equipment. It’s a fantastic site, and the new pavilion brings it up to a different level.”

The new building also houses a defibrillator which was made possible through a memorial donation to Cam Everside YFC.

Andy Colliver, of Cam Everside Football Club, said: “One of our coaches, Terry McHale, sadly died of a heart attack on the pitch.

“The football club were given £1,000 from Terry’s estate, with which we started the Terry McHale fund.

“We’ve been sitting on the money for many years, because we didn’t want to fritter it away, and have nothing to show for it.

“Buying a defibrillator for the site seemed like a fitting way of spending the money.”

The new defibrillator is situated on the front of the club changing rooms, with dedication plaque next to it.

“All of our coaches are qualified in first aid, and part of that includes defibrillator training,” said Mr Colliver.