424 pitches in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire to benefit from £289,130 of Pitch Preparation Funding

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 and 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, £289,130 has been awarded to 121 clubs and organisations.

This will allow 424 football pitches to be made match-fit, benefiting 1221 local football teams.

Robert Sullivan, Interim Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This new investment into Berks & Bucks 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 121 grants we’re announcing today will help ensure 424 pitches across Berks & Bucks 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.

Jonathan Wood, Head of Delivery, at Berks & Bucks Football Association, said: “It is fantastic to see that over 120 clubs within the Berks & Bucks area have successfully applied for this

fund.

"The Football Foundation’s Pitch Preparation Fund has come at a crucial time for our clubs, providing them much needed resource to ensure their pitches can continue to be worked on in preparation for the new season. We look forward to working with them moving forward to ensure that football within the area is played on good quality pitches.”