People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by government.
Working together with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation in England, the Cymru Football Foundation in Wales, and the Football Associations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the funding is expected to support hundreds of new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights to improve access to sport and physical activity for local communities.
It will be targeted at deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented people including women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled players.
The major package delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change, with the funding designed to break down barriers to opportunity and tackle persistent health inequalities through prevention, that will support an NHS fit for the future. These facilities also encourage communities to come together and give young people opportunities to build vital skills and connections while creating a sense of purpose and pride in where they live.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the funding during a visit to Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club, a grassroots football facility in Midlothian, Scotland which supports over 700 players.
The funding will be invested in sites during 2025/26, with £82.3 million allocated to projects in England (including a £2 million uplift of new investment committed in the current financial year), £8.6 million in Scotland, £6.1 million in Wales and £3 million in Northern Ireland.
It follows the Culture Secretary’s pledge to inspire the next generation as the Lionesses go to UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 this summer as defending champions, and England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland look ahead to hosting UEFA EURO 2028.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Grassroots sport clubs are at the heart of communities across the UK. That’s why we’re investing £100 million to support new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and clubhouses across the country, providing transformational funding to the areas that need it most.
“As we deliver our Plan for Change, we will remove barriers to an active lifestyle and increase opportunity for all, ensuring that wherever people may live, they can access high quality sports facilities and experience the joy that sport brings.”
Government funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme is amplified by significant contributions by The FA and Premier League in England. Delivery partners also leverage investment from local stakeholders through initiatives such as the Scottish FA and Scottish Football Partnership Trust’s ‘Pitching in’ campaign which aims to raise £50 million for football facilities over the next five years.
Of the funded projects, at least 40% will have a multi-sport offer so that more people can participate in sports other than football, meaning more people can get access to a wider variety of sports and activities that appeal to them including rugby, cricket and basketball.
Clubs and organisations across the UK are now being urged to come forward and apply for funding. Applications can be made in England via the Football Foundation on an ongoing basis, and in Wales via the Cymru Football Foundation. Dedicated windows are opening shortly in Scotland and Northern Ireland with those interested encouraged to check relevant FA websites for more details. The first tranche of beneficiaries are expected to be confirmed in summer 2025.
Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, Robert Sullivan said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for every community in England. Alongside the funding we receive from the Premier League and The FA, the investment announced by the Government today will enable the Football Foundation to provide even more people with a great place to play.
“Good quality grassroots facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. Working closely with local stakeholders across England, we’ll continue to target our investment at those areas of the country where the need is greatest and towards those under-represented groups who’ll experience the most substantial benefits from new and improved facilities.”
Sport England’s chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said: "Grassroots
sports clubs are the lifeblood of our communities, bringing people together
from all walks of life and enabling people to play the sports they
love.
"Too often, however, access to sport facilities can be a postcode
lottery – so it’s particularly welcome that this investment will be targeted to
the places across the country that need it most, supporting underrepresented
groups to enjoy the profound benefits of sport and activity that follow.
"Every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generates
£4.20 for our economy and society. Improving pitches and facilities is not just
great for grassroots sport – it’s good for the long-term health and wealth of
our country, too."
