The UK government has announced a significant investment in grassroots football facilities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Up to £168 million will be invested in England by 2025, in addition to a continued £18 million annual commitment.
This funding will be delivered by the Football Foundation - a partnership between the Premier League, The FA, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) - to improve and upgrade pitches and facilities across the country.
In addition, a further £18.1 million will be invested in Scotland, £12.6 million in Wales, and £6.29 million in Northern Ireland, respectively, by 2025. The UK government's direct investment in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, the Football Association of Wales, and the Irish Football Association.
This funding will deliver improvements to hundreds of sites, with at least half of the investment going directly to the most deprived areas. It builds on the successful delivery of over £43 million across the UK last year. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each FA will invite and select projects across a range of facility types, from the creation or upgrade of changing rooms, grass pitches, and 3G football turf pitches, to pavilions, floodlights, fencing, and improved disabled access.
Grassroots football clubs, local authorities, and schools with a relevant project that could benefit from this investment in the next two financial years are encouraged to contact their relevant delivery partner - the Football Foundation in England, and the relevant Football Association in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The government's investment in grassroots football is part of its ongoing commitment to delivering the facilities every community needs and leveling up access to high-quality pitches. The projects selected will continue to be chosen based on their ability to deliver improved facilities in deprived areas, support multi-sport use, and increase participation among currently underrepresented groups, including women, girls, and those with a disability.
To ensure that as many people as possible from underrepresented groups are able to access quality sports facilities, 40 percent of the investment will fund sites that support regular use of a sport other than football. This will include facilities for sports such as cricket, rugby, and athletics.
The UK government's investment in grassroots football is a significant boost for the sport at a time when it is needed most. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on grassroots football, with many clubs struggling to make ends meet and a reduction in participation among young people. This investment will go a long way in helping to sustain and grow the sport at the grassroots level, providing communities with the facilities they need to continue to play and enjoy football.
Projects benefiting from investment in 2022/23 will be confirmed shortly, with the hope that it will help to create new opportunities for local communities and help to build a brighter future for the sport. The investment will also have a positive impact on the wider community, providing them with the facilities they need to stay active, healthy and engaged with their local area.
In conclusion, The UK government's investment in grassroots football is a welcome move and will help to sustain and grow the sport at the grassroots level, providing communities with the facilities they need to continue to play and enjoy football. It will also have a positive impact on the wider community, providing them with the facilities they need to stay active, healthy and engaged with their local area. It is expected that the projects benefiting from this investment in 2022/23 will be confirmed shortly.
