Grassroots football facilities across Gedling borough will benefit from a share of a £39 million of government funding pot, as part of a major commitment to levelling up access to physical activity across the nation.
Four sites in the borough will receive funding to create and improve pitches, changing rooms and pavilions, so that more local communities can access high-quality facilities.
The projects have been chosen by the Government for their ability to provide improved facilities in deprived areas, support multi-sport use and increase participation among currently under-represented groups, including women, girls and disabled players.
Goosedale Sports
The application was from Goosedale Sports Club in Bestwood Village was for the refurbishment of their changing room pavilion. The site is used by Hucknall FC and a hockey club with a sand-based astroturf pitch on site. Grant awarded – £25,000
Lambley Lane Playing Fields
Funding has been provided to Gedling Borough Council to support the replacement of two existing changing units at Lambley Lane Playing Fields to service the teams within well-established partner clubs Mapperley All Stars FC and Phoenix FC, as well as other users of the community grass pitches. Lambley Lane Pavillion previously consisted of two dilapidated pre-fabricated portable buildings.
Grant awarded – £91,279
Ravenshead Parish Council
The project will see the improvement of the grass pitches at the Ravenshead maintained site. The improvement of grass pitches will allow the players a better surface on which to play the game and develop their skills and prevents poor weather disrupting matches.
Grant awarded – £25,000
Arnold Town FC
The project will see the improvement of the grass pitches at Arnold Town.
The improvement of grass pitches is a key focus area for the FA in order to improve the consistency of matches across the season and to allow the players a better surface on which to play the game and develop their skills.
Grant awarded – £31,118
UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We are committed to improving access to high quality sports facilities for the underprivileged and underrepresented across England.
“This investment will ensure more people can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of these facilities in their local communities.”
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the FA, said: “This initial £39 million investment from the Government will help people to get active again as we emerge from the pandemic.
“Having more quality facilities will encourage new participation at every age group and from historically under-represented groups, level up health inequalities in left-behind communities, and make the playing experience enjoyable for everyone that plays the game.”
