£30k funding for local grassroots football 'won't do much', says Stamford AFC Coach
£64 million is being invested into grassroots facilities across the country
Last updated 23rd May 2023
New funding will barely scratch the surface when it comes to improving local football facilities generally, according to a Stamford AFC coach.
Across England, the Government is investing £64 million, working alongside its Football Foundation partners, the Premier League and The FA, to build and upgrade 1,600 grassroots sports sites this year to level up access to high quality sports facilities.
Collectively, Peterborough, Rutland and South Kesteven will receive just over £30,000 in grants.
'Our game is being put to shame'
Stamford AFC Women's Assistant Manager, Dave Ribakovs, says the investment is a "step in the right direction" but, in reality, it won't make a big difference when it comes to improving existing resources across the board:
'We've got about 60 clubs in our region so dividing that (amount) into each club would be about £500 each. Most clubs have five pitches, probably more; it's not a lot of money per pitch. Less than £100 - that will cover the cost of paint.'
'Certain nets cost £300 to buy - they've got a shelf life themselves. A set of goals are over £1,000, so it's a small amount. Then there's the cost of maintenance, the line marking, grass-cutting. it goes on and on.'
'When you break it down it's not a lot per club, certainly not per pitch.'
'I've come back from a tournament in Denmark - the facilities there are second to none. It takes your breath away. A small village club will have nine pitches; two of those 4G and a five-a-side pitch with nets and goals all in pristine condition. It puts our game to shame, it really does.'
See the grants that've been awarded to facilities across Peterborough, Stamford and Rutland:
Peterborough
- KING GEORGES FIELD (RAYDON), Parkside Athletic FC: £4,502
- WOODLANDS SPORTS COMPLEX, Thorpe Wood Rangers FC: £1,080
- HAMPTON HARGATE PLAYING FIELDS, Hampton FC: £462
- PETERBOROUGH REGIONAL COLLEGE, G4G FC: £4,379
- PETERBOROUGH LIONS, Peterborough Lions FC: 3,600
South Kesteven
- GRANTHAM MERES LEISURE CENTRE, South Lincolnshire Football Development League: £1,440
- HARROWBY LANE PLAYING FIELDS Harrowby United FC: £1,130
- COLSTERWORTH SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB Colsterworth Colts Jfc: £1,189
- BOURNE RUGBY CLUB Bourne Town Juniors Fc: £1,440
- STAMFORD WELLAND ACADEMY Blackstones Junior FC: £5,478
- BORDERVILLE SPORTS CENTRE Stamford Afc: 1,200
Rutland
- MEADOW PLAYING FIELDS One Touch Football Club: £478
- KIRBY PLAYING FIELD One Touch Football Club: £1,080
- MEADOW PLAYING FIELDS One Touch Football Club: £1,080
- PLUCKLEY RECREATION GROUND One Touch Football Club: £1,440
Robert Sullivan, CEO, Football Foundation said:
“Thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is directing more money than ever into supporting the grassroots game. Every one of the facilities we fund will provide equal access for women and girls. That means providing safe, accessible and inclusive environments for women and girls from their journey to the site right up to their first step onto the pitch.”