1,100 grassroots sport projects to share £93m of funding

More than 1,100 multisport grassroots sport projects across the UK are set to benefit from £93m worth of funding towards new pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights.

Money from the government’s Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme will be invested in areas that are most in need of new or renovated facilities, with at least 50 per cent of the funding being earmarked for the most deprived local authorities with high levels of inactivity.

It is estimated that the funding will deliver more than 60 artificial grass pitch projects, around 130 grass pitch projects and 35 changing facility projects, as well as deliver floodlights and goalposts.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew announced the funding during a visit to Oaklands Park in Chichester, where a £700,000 Football Foundation project will help Chichester City Youth FC (CCYFC) use the expanded capacity on their new pitch to support even more teams.

“Sport and physical activity are vital to our mental health and wellbeing, and each year thousands of people make a New Year’s resolution to exercise more,” Andrew said.

“We know one of the major barriers to getting active is having access to high-quality sports facilities, which is why we are investing in 1,100 more projects, backed by £93 million.

“This government has delivered thousands of new projects across the UK with the aim of getting over 120,000 more people to get active, helping us to make big strides towards meeting our ambitious target of 3.5 million more people active by 2030.”

Local communities across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also benefit with £12 million being invested by the UK Government in 2023-24, delivered in partnership with the Scottish FA, the Irish FA, Cymru Football Foundation and Football Association of Wales.

A further £9 million is also being committed across the home nations for projects to be delivered through 2024-25.

In Scotland, the funding will deliver over 20 artificial grass pitch projects and four grass pitch projects. In Wales eight projects will get new changing rooms, while 12 projects in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from new floodlighting.