Bumper payout to grow pitches

By Chris Dunlavy

FIGURES from across the game have welcomed news that £50m of government funding will be spent on grassroots football pitches.

Along with contributions from the Football Association and Premier League and other local partners, the funding will build 185 new 3G artificial pitches, improve 5,000 existing grass pitches and create 9 ‘hub’ sites with multiple pitches.

According to a statement, the investment – available from next year – will be targeted at “left-behind” communities and is designed to address health inequalities, as well as ensuring more communities have access to sport pitches.

“More quality facilities around the country will help us find and inspire the next generation of England stars,” said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.

Robert Sullivan, CEO of charitable body the Football Foundation, added: “This announcement is great news for grassroots sport across every community in England.”