New improvements to Gedling borough’s sports facilities are set to boost teams.
Five clubs are set to benefit from cash secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The funding will pay for improvements to priority sports sites and facilities, which have been identified through recent reviews, including the Built Facilities Strategy and the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy.
Local sports clubs such as Mellish Rugby Club, Paviors Rugby Club, Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club, and Conway Park Tennis Courts have all been selected to receive grants to improve their facilities.
These upgrades will include floodlighting, a new borehole, and a 3G pitch to accommodate more teams and participants.
Both the Conway Park Tennis Courts and Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club funding allocations are matched for larger applications to the Lawn Tennis Association and Football Foundation, respectively. This match funding is helping to bring in £870,000 to support local sports facilities across Gedling Borough.
The clubs say that this funding is vital as it allows them to expand and improve their facilities, helping them to welcome more players and provide better experiences for members.
Joanne Swinscoe, welfare officer at Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club said the club were ‘thrilled’ to receive funding , which will be used for a new 3G pitch.
She said: “It will be a game changer for everyone at the club, from our junior teams right up to the senior players. Having such a high-quality facility will allow us to accommodate more teams, run more training sessions, and offer better opportunities for all aspiring footballers in our community to develop their skills.
“This investment will have a lasting impact on the club.”
Councillor Henry Wheeler, portfolio holder for Lifestyles, Health, and Well-being on Gedling Borough Council said: “This funding represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of our local community. By improving sports facilities, we are ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of physical activity, which is essential for both mental and physical health.
“These upgrades will enable our local clubs to offer better opportunities to everyone, from beginners to more experienced players, helping to create a more active and healthy borough.”
Funding breakdown:
Arnold Leisure Centre: £26,119 for plant room improvements.
Mellish Rugby Club: £31,500 for floodlighting a second pitch.
Paviors Rugby Club: £31,500 for a borehole and portable floodlights.
Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club: £100,000 towards a new 3G pitch project.
Conway Park Tennis Courts: £39,000 for tennis court improvements.
