Essex's Grassroots football clubs get new funding
Nick Emery, Head of Development and Investment at Essex County FA told us how it will be spent
Nick Emery, the Head of Development and Investment at Essex County FA, says local clubs are welcoming government and FA's investment in grassroots football.
It comes as a wave of investment has been announced.
It will be distributed through a partnership between Essex County FA, the Football Foundation will to distributes funds from the FA, Premier League, and central government to support grassroots football.
It stems from the Conservative Party's manifesto commitment to invest further in grassroots football. As a result, the Football Foundation has received its largest-ever budget, allowing Essex County FA to collaborate closely with them in improving football facilities across the county's 19 local authorities, benefiting approximately 1,100 grassroots clubs.
The collaboration between the Football Foundation and Essex County FA is part of a broader national strategy to enhance football facilities.
The strategy encompasses local football facility plans specific to each local authority within Essex, outlining priority projects for the next decade. These projects include the development of full-size, floodlit 3G pitches that cater to the training and match play needs of players across different age groups and abilities.
Investments in grass pitches have also been made to address maintenance challenges caused by weather conditions. The Football Foundation's grass pitch maintenance fund has allowed numerous clubs in Essex to access funding for ongoing pitch maintenance, ultimately improving the quality and capacity of these grass fields.
In addition to pitch improvements, investments have been made in upgrading changing rooms and pavilions, providing essential facilities for both adult and youth football, including spaces for socializing and serving refreshments during matches.
Nick Emery has emphasized the positive reception from grassroots clubs in Essex: "While not all funding is directed solely to clubs, as education sites with 3G pitches also benefit, Essex County FA collaborates closely with local authorities to improve overall facility standards across the region. These ongoing efforts aim to accommodate the growing demand for football facilities, driven by the increasing popularity of the women's and girls' game, the steady growth of the male pathway, and the introduction of formats such as walking football. There is also a focus on providing more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in the sport".
The long-term investment in grassroots football facilities in Essex represents a culmination of years of collaboration between Essex County FA and the Football Foundation. Since its establishment in 2000, the Football Foundation has supported county FAs throughout the country in their efforts to enhance grassroots football facilities. While the current 10-year strategy will continue to be implemented until its completion, discussions between the Football Foundation and the FA regarding future funding are ongoing. Essex County FA remains committed to securing additional partnership funding to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
Nick also told us the investment in facilities plays a vital role in nurturing talent in Essex.
"Essex is a hot bed of talent!"
"The region has produced numerous male and female England internationals who have emerged from grassroots clubs. Quality football facilities provide a strong foundation for talent development, and Essex County FA recognizes the significance of creating welcoming and positive environments that aid participation and foster talent".
The county FA has now encouraged clubs in Essex to reach out and discuss their facility needs.