Football pitches across the country are set to be upgraded after a £7 million handout from the Premier League, The FA and the UK Government.
The Pitch Preparation Fund was set up in support of the game, which is currently facing unprecedented challenges because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It provides grants to clubs that have lost out on normal revenue streams during this difficult period and helps them to get their pitches ready for when it is safe to play football again.
Around 3,000 applications were received during the application window in May with £7 million of investment awarded to 2,902 clubs and organisations.
This will allow 9,588 football pitches to be made match-fit, benefiting 33,153 football teams in the grassroots, non-league and women’s game, as well as every club in the Welsh Cymru Premier League.
Robert Sullivan, interim chief executive officer of the government-backed Football Foundation, said: “We’ve been delighted by the response to the Pitch Preparation Fund when it launched just a few weeks ago.
“Our national game can’t take place without playing surfaces being in good condition so this £7 million of investment provided by the Premier League, The FA and the Government is an important helping hand for clubs across the country to get their pitches match-fit for when matches are allowed to start up again.”
Mark Bullingham, The FA’s chief executive, added: “The positive response to this initiative across the football community has been very encouraging and we remain committed to supporting clubs through this uncertain period. This fund will help clubs to carry out vital work and prepare pitches for when it's safe for the game to resume.”
The grants awarded will help with essential maintenance works toward grass pitches, as well as routine preparatory works such as grass cutting and the setting out and line-marking of pitches.
