A TOTAL of 27 clubs will benefit from the Suffolk FA 2018 Small Grants Scheme.

Due to the number of quality applications, Suffolk FA increased this season’s funding pot to £11,000 in order to support more projects.

The successful clubs are as follows: AFC Sudbury, Assington, Bacton Utd 89, Beccles Town Youth, Boxford Rovers, Claydon, Coddenham Athletic, Coplestonians, East Bergholt United, Felixstowe & Walton United, Great Blakenham Chequers, Hadleigh Unted, Haughley United, Ipswich Wanderers, Leiston, Leiston St Margarets, Long Melford, Melford AFC, Mildenhall Town, Mutford & Wrentham, Needham Market, Old Newton United, Sporting 87, Sporting 87 Community Trust, Thurlow Youth, Walsham-le-Willows Youth, Waveney.

Those in receipt of support from the County FA will be looking to improve the playing experience at their clubs by using the grant to purchase new line markers, replace dangerous goalposts, renovate changing rooms, and conduct grass pitch remedial works with improved machinery.

Whilst many of the successful applications allow clubs to purchase items outside of those funded through the Football Foundation, for some the funding will contribute to partnership funding for bigger projects.

Last season a total of 14 projects were supported with a £5,000 budget.

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said: “This season we received an unprecedented number of quality applications for the Small Grants Scheme, which made the allocation of our funds a challenging decision for the panel.

“With the increased interest this season, Suffolk FA were pleased to, on this occasion, increase the total project budget from £5,000 to £11,000 to support as many quality applications as we could.

“We are really pleased that we were able to support such a vast scope of projects through the Small Grants Scheme, and channel much-needed financial support into local clubs.

“In addition to providing clubs with bursaries, the application process has allowed us to further advise clubs on other funding available to support their projects.

“If your club has any facility development requirements, please do get in touch.”

For more information and support with facility projects, please contact Jodie Allard on 01449 616606 option 3 or 07432 735961.

Pictured above is The Millfield, home of Hadleigh United, who successfully applied for funding towards a pitchside perimeter barrier.