Carshalton on the Hill Football Club may have to consider renaming itself now that it has secured a 25-year lease on a pitch in Merton.

The club is in the process of signing a contract with Merton Council which will allow it to set up camp at a disused sports pitch near St Catherine's School for the next 25 years.

Secretary of the club, Sharon Graham, said they were overjoyed at the news.

"At last we have somewhere permanent. For the last eight years we have been moved from pillar to post by Sutton Council who in the end sold off the land we used at Risley and didn't find us an alternative. Now we will have a pavillion when now we don't even have a toilet," she said.

She said she hoped the new facilities, paid for by a local developer as part of a planning agreement, would attract more female players to the club, which has teams of players aged 8 to adult.

"It has been hard to attract girls because of our lack of changing rooms and facilities. Sutton Council says it cares about sport but where does all the money go?" she said.

A spokesman for Sutton Council said it was committed to providing sporting opportunities.

"We've worked hard to try and find suitable alternative accommodation but the truth is that demand will always outstrip supply for football pitches in Sutton.

"We are working with dozens of different sporting groups across the borough to ensure all our residents get the access to sporting and physical activity they need," he said.

The club hopes to be up and running for the new season and is holding trials for 8 - 13-year-old and over 15s. It is also looking for managers and maintenance equipment.

To find out more about the club call club manager Dave Pasco on 07783 741129.