Thousands invested in grassroots football in Dorset

The Government cash will towards things like new goalposts and floodlights

Published 21st May 2023

Sports clubs across Dorset are among those getting a slice of £64 million of Government funding for grassroots games.

The funding will deliver upgrades, improvements and new pitches - making more high quality facilities available for people to play football, hockey and other grassroots sports.

Projects support a range of facility types - from the creation or upgrade of changing rooms, grass pitches and 3G football turf pitches and pavilions, to floodlights, fencing and improved disabled access.

In Dorset, the funding includes:

  • £3,488 for Redlands FC for floodlights
  • £1,602 for Weymouth Cougars towards goalposts
  • £1,440 for Lychett Matravers FC for goalposts
  • £894 for Okeford FC for goalposts at Swanage's King George fields
  • £14,275 for dugouts and fencing for Holt United in Wimborne
  • £2,160 for goalposts at Poole High School for Longfleet Youth FC
  • £1,007 for goalposts at Corfe Castle FC
  • £6,384 for goalposts and floodlights at Wool and Winfrith FC
  • £3,555 for goalposts and floodlights for Maiden Newton Youth FC

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football.

Robert Sullivan, CEO, Football Foundation said:

“It’s vital the next generation has access to great places to play.

“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.”

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