AFC, now of the Southern League Midlands Division, have submitted a planning application for a new clubhouse and dressing rooms and a community pavilion at their King's Marsh ground.

The club intends to share the facilities with students with learning disabilities, from The Ryes School and the Bridge Project, and disabled users of the Sudbury Resource Centre.

A spokesman for AFC said: "The directors and committee believe that at this time we have an opportunity and responsibility to give something back to the community and we have a devised a long-term community plan that will have great benefits throughout the area.

"The community development project will form the initial foundation to provide much-needed facilities for adult learning and special needs groups in our community, greatly extending the usage to King's Marsh stadium."

Liz Brightwell, key skills instructor at The Ryes School, said: "Due to the emotional, behavioural and challenging nature of our students it can be difficult for them to access facilities within the wider community. Those with additional special needs would also find the enormity of some venues daunting.

"It is, however, of high priority that our students have opportunities to perform, work and socialise outside The Ryes School.

"I can see this as an exciting opportunity with enormous benefits not only to The Ryes School but for many more organizations around Sudbury."

Marion Corner, manager at Sudbury Resource Centre, added: "Sudbury is a growing town with a growing population and will need more community opportunities.

"One thing that stops development of community opportunities is a lack of resources, mainly suitable premises, with accessible facilities; this scheme would be the answer to this."

The scheme will also allow expansion of AFC's grassroots section from 80 children and ladies over the next five years, according to the directors.

AFC Sudbury will be having an opening evening for its supporters and anyone interested in the plans on Friday, at 7.30pm, at the clubhouse at King's Marsh. A presentation will be made of the proposed facilities.