Stanwix Football Club have been named as the winner of the Community Improvement Grant, launched by The Cumberland News in partnership with New Balance.
The award-winning grassroots club said the funding would provide a major boost as it deals with rising costs for running football teams and providing equipment for young players.
Formed in 1994, the club now has 27 registered teams, more than 600 players and over 80 managers, coaches, assistants and club officials.
Club Secretary Ken Kirkpatrick expressed his joy at winning, saying of his reaction to the news over the phone: "I'm surprised you didn't hear the whoop of delight."
Mr Kirkpatrick said: "It's always a nice feeling to think that you've come first in something.
"I feel a little bit sorry for the other competitors because they were obviously deserving cases as well.
"But in this instance, we pipped them at the post."
Mr Kirkpatrick said: "The rules and regulations and legislation that's in place these days makes it very, very expensive.
"So many of our competitor clubs are complaining about the costs and how badly their budgets are affected by rising costs for everything."
According to Stanwix FC, it costs over £1,000 a year to establish a junior team once equipment, league fees, insurance and training are included.
The costs cover items such as kits, footballs, first aid packs, coaches' jackets, registration fees, insurance and indoor football facilities.
Grant money will help pay for equipment bought by the club during the summer.
Stanwix recently bought a new set of 11-a-side goals for its older age groups. The goals cost more than £1,700.
The Football Foundation provided a 70 per cent grant, but the club still had to contribute about £540 from its own funds.
Mr Kirkpatrick said: "Part of the money is going to help to cover that cost."
Other grant funding will support the club's under-sevens section after the Football Association introduced a new three-versus-three format.
Stanwix needs eight new goals for its two under-sevens teams. Each goal costs about £120.
The club received assistance through an FA deal covering half of the equipment, but it must pay for the rest.
Mr Kirkpatrick said: "The balance of the money will be used to recover the cost for that, so the under-sevens will be kitted out with the right FA-approved goals."
Demand for the pitches remains high. Stanwix currently runs 25 teams across its age groups.
Mr Kirkpatrick said: "Last night at six o'clock every one of those pitches was in full use for training and friendly matches.
"With 25 teams in the club, we don't have the capacity to allow them to use them at weekends."
Thanking people who supported the campaign, Mr Kirkpatrick said: "We're delighted to have won.
"I'd just like to thank anybody in the community who took the time, the effort and sent the votes in.
"I'm sure each and every one counted and we're just so pleased and so thankful."
He said community support remained central to the club's work, with volunteers maintaining facilities and providing opportunities for hundreds of players across Carlisle.
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