County football pitches receive a huge financial boost

The Pitch Preparation Fund was set up in support of the game, which is currently facing unprecedented challenges because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

It is providing grants to clubs that have lost out on normal revenue streams during this difficult period, helping them to get their pitches ready for when it is safe to play football again, following government advice.

The fund was greeted with a hugely positive response in the two-and-a-half weeks the application window was open during May.

As a result, £164,250 has been awarded to 67 clubs and organisations in Northamptonshire.

This will allow 227 football pitches to be made match-fit, benefiting 584 local football teams.

As a result of the exposure of the Pitch Preparation Fund, the Football Foundation also received an increase of 176 per cent in its regular facility grant applications during May, compared with April.

So many more football sites will be improved over and above those receiving Pitch Preparation Fund grants.

Robert Sullivan, interim chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This new investment into Northamptonshire will provide crucial support for football in the area.

“Our national game is a proven driver of mental and physical health benefits, so it’s important local pitches are match-fit in the event that the government announces it’s safe for the game to start again.

“That is why we’ve worked with the Premier League, the FA, the government and Sport England to set up the Pitch Preparation Fund.

“These grants we’re announcing will help ensure 227 pitches across Northamptonshire are in a good condition when the time comes.”

The grants awarded will help with essential maintenance works toward grass pitches, including vertical decompaction, slitting, over seeding, fertilising and weedkilling, as well as routine preparatory works such as grass cutting and the setting out and line marking of pitches.

For artificial surfaces, eligible works include deep cleaning, overmarking and FA pitch testing.

Clubs and other organisations are also being given access to the Football Foundation Groundskeeping Community.

This is a free online resource the Foundation developed with the FA and the Grounds Management Association, containing advice and guidance. Anyone in Northamptonshire can sign up at https://thefa.hivelearning.com/groundskeeping

How Northamptonshire will benefit from the Pitch Preparation Fund in numbers

A total of 67 grants awarded.

£164,250 of investment.

227 football pitches improved.

584 football teams benefiting.

48 grassroots clubs awarded grants.

19 clubs in the National League System awarded grants.