Nearly 1,000 projects benefit as government targets deprived communities, women and girls, and long-term public health

Almost 1,000 grassroots sports projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to benefit from new and upgraded facilities, as part of a major government push to get more people active and improve community health.

A total of 991 projects have already been awarded funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme for 2025/26, delivering all-weather pitches, floodlighting, modern changing facilities and community sports hubs. Further projects are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The investment is designed to make sport more accessible and affordable at a time when many families are facing cost-of-living pressures. At least 50% of the funding will go to the 30% most deprived communities in the UK, helping areas that have struggled for years with outdated or unsafe facilities.

Focus on inclusivity and multi-sport access

The upgraded and new facilities are expected to significantly widen participation, particularly among women and girls, people with disabilities and ethnic minority communities. New and refurbished changing rooms will better meet the needs of female teams, while priority booking slots will ensure women’s and girls’ teams have guaranteed access.

To encourage participation beyond football, at least 40% of funded projects must offer multi-sport use, opening doors to activities such as rugby, cricket, basketball and school PE programmes.

Sports clubs will also benefit from practical upgrades including new goalposts, fencing, storage units and improved car parking, making sites safer, more sustainable and easier to access for local communities.

£85 million funding round confirmed for 2026/27

Alongside today’s update, the government confirmed the next phase of investment, with £85 million available in 2026/27 as part of a wider £400 million grassroots sport funding package announced in June 2025.

Applications are now open in England, with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow.

The announcement was made during a visit by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to East Kilbride United Community Sports Club, which received £310,000 between 2024 and 2026 for a new artificial pitch and changing pavilion at Kirktonholme. The site now supports women’s and girls’ football, school PE lessons and a walking football programme focused on men’s mental health.

Sport as a tool for health and community connection

The funding comes a day after the launch of the government-backed ‘Team Up’ campaign, which brings together elite athletes, governing bodies and charities to tackle male loneliness through sport and physical activity.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, said: “This is sport delivering for the nation. Every pound we invest in grassroots facilities is a pound that takes pressure off our NHS, supports mental and physical health, and opens doors for new community members to benefit from sport - like women and girls who’ve been shut out for too long.

We’re supporting communities that have made do with run-down pitches and crumbling changing rooms for years. This government is turning that around – building the facilities that get people active, bring communities together, and nurture the next generation of sporting talent”.

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: 

“High quality sports facilities are vital. This season we’ve been celebrating 25 years of game changing impact in the grassroots game thanks to £1.3bn of funding from our partners the Premier League, The FA and Government since we started work in 2000.

The funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, announced today, alongside that of the Premier League and The FA, ensures the Football Foundation can continue to deliver the football and multi-sport facilities that inspire people to play, get healthy and come together.   

Football in England is evolving and we need to ensure the facilities support its growth. Guided by our Local Plans we systematically deliver where need is greatest and impact is strongest, creating inclusive opportunities for generations to come.  

The £68.4m will help us support the growth of the women’s and girls’ game, provide the facilities that grassroots organisations need, back our biggest and best clubs and ensure we know about every pitch and how we can best support them.  

We are excited about the next year, and look forward to working with our funding partners to continue to provide very community with a great place to play.” 

Sport England Chief Executive, Simon Hayes said:

“Community sport sits at the heart of our society. It brings people together across the UK, helping them to connect, have fun and live healthier lives. But none of that is possible if there aren’t enough pitches and facilities, designed in the right way and located in the right places. We therefore very much welcome today’s announcement and look forward to working with the Government and our partners to ensure as many people as possible from all over the country have the chance to participate”.

What the funding will deliver

The programme will support:

- New 3G pitches enabling year-round play

- Modern changing pavilions suitable for women and girls

- Floodlighting to extend evening use

- Improved parking and accessibility

- New goalposts, fencing and storage facilities

- Priority access for women’s and girls’ teams

- Facilities for schools, PE lessons and outreach programmes

- Sites supporting health, wellbeing and community initiatives

The latest announcement builds on £98 million invested in 2025/26, with additional funding planned, including £5 million for basketball facilities, matched by £5 million from the NBA, and a further £10 million for innovative facility models to be announced later this year.

Following the Lionesses’ European Championship success last summer, the government has also committed to expanding primetime access for women’s and girls’ teams, with a long-term aim of achieving equal access as demand grows.