Increase in clubs accessing funding
CLUBS and sites in Suffolk benefited from Football Foundation funding to the tune of nearly £900,000 last season.
Figures for the year ending on June 30th 2020 show that the investment in grassroots football was £891,237 towards total project costs of £1,195,493.
And there has already been a further £208,649 awarded towards total project costs of £281,320 in the current season since July 1st 2020.
The level of investment in the county since lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic began on March 18th has been £652,342 towards total project costs of £859,902.
Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said: “It’s been another positive season for facility development across Suffolk football with many clubs benefiting from the financial support available to them, specifically through the Football Foundation.
“The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity, equally funded by the FA, the Premier League and the Government via Sport England with a clear purpose; to support clubs to transform communities through football.
“Since the start of 2020, we have been pleased to see a significant increase in clubs accessing smaller grants from the Foundation for things such as goalposts, fencing and minor changing room works.
“This, coupled with our larger investment projects such as the new 3G at Copleston High School, illuminates the plethora of investment opportunities which are being channelled into the game in Suffolk.
“With the launch of Suffolk’s Local Football Facility Plans which highlight our large-scale investment priorities for the next ten years, coupled with the increased accessibility of small grants for clubs, we look forward to continuing to work closely with our football partners to increase investment into the game locally.”
Four more Suffolk clubs are the latest in the county to receive support from the Football Foundation.
Mildenhall Town FC Youth have received £2,160 towards goal posts costing £2,880 at Jubilee Playing Fields and a further £1,440 towards goal posts costing £1,920 at West Row Playing Fields.
Copleston High School have been awarded £2,880 towards goal posts costing £3,840 at Copleston Sports Centre in Ipswich and Kedington FC have been granted £1,440 towards goal posts costing £1,920 at The Great Meadow.
Finally, Spexhall Huntsman & Hounds FC have received £2,586 towards improvements to services access for health and safety reasons costing £3,586 at Spexhall Playing Field.
Pictured above is Humber Doucy Lane, home of Ipswich Wanderers FC, who have been one of many clubs and grounds across the county to benefit from Football Foundation funding.
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