Funding of £200,000 already this season
FUNDING for grassroots football in Suffolk since the start of the season has gone past £200,000.
Since the 2020-21 season officially started on July 1st, funding coming into the county via the Football Foundation’s single fund for smaller grants now stands at £206,547 towards total project costs of £276,931.
The most recent recipients of grants from the Football Foundation’s single fund which is eligible for applications up to £25,000 has been Lakenheath Community Primary School, who received £1,080 towards goalposts costing £1,440 and Thurlow Sports Club, who have been awarded £3,683 for goalposts and clubhouse refurbishment at Great Thurlow Recreation Ground costing £4,912.
Funding has been received by not only clubs, both large and small, but also schools and sports clubs throughout the county.
The largest single amount of funding to be received so far was by Walsham-le-Willows FC, who were awarded £24,096 towards the £32,129 refurbishment cost of their Summer Road clubhouse.
Projects which have been supported already this season include goalposts, fencing, grass pitch maintenance equipment, clubhouse refurbishment, storage containers, portable floodlights and ball stop netting.
Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said: “The influx of small funding awards this season through the Football Foundation’s small capital fund has been a fantastic lifeline for local clubs, schools and community sports associations.
“With the increased strain that the pandemic has placed on the finances of all football organisations, the opportunity to access up to 75% of the funding towards these items has been snapped up by proactive individuals across the county.
“Credit must go to our volunteer workforce who work so hard behind the scenes to ensure club funds can be raised and maximised through initiatives like this for the benefit of local people.
“We are thankful to the Football Foundation for their support in getting these projects funded and the work they have done to streamline the application process for local clubs.”
Rory Carroll, Head of Communications at the Football Foundation, said: “We’ve supported many large-scale grassroots projects across Suffolk since 2000, thanks to funding provided by the Premier League, The FA and Government.
“However, these small facility grants also make a huge difference and are an important helping hand to community organisations.”
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