Communities across the UK are set to benefit from a major £100 million government investment aimed at upgrading local grassroots sports facilities.
The funding will support the development of hundreds of improved pitches, changing rooms, floodlights, and goalposts, with a strong focus on increasing access to sport—particularly in underserved areas. The initiative is designed to break down barriers and boost participation among under-represented groups, including women and girls, ethnic minorities, and disabled athletes.
The investment is part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change, which aims to tackle health inequalities and create opportunities for everyone to live healthier, more active lives. Beyond physical health, these upgraded facilities are expected to strengthen community bonds, give young people opportunities to grow, and foster local pride.
The rollout will be delivered in partnership with key football organisations across the UK: the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation in England; the Cymru Football Foundation in Wales; and the national Football Associations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy unveiled the investment during a visit to Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club in Midlothian, Scotland—a club that currently supports over 700 players.
The £100 million will be allocated as follows in 2025/26:
- England: £82.3 million (including £2 million of new funding for the current financial year)
- Scotland: £8.6 million
- Wales: £6.1 million
- Northern Ireland: £3 million
At least 40% of the funded projects will support multiple sports, broadening opportunities beyond football to include sports like rugby, cricket, and basketball.
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”.
Additional funding and support will come from major partners, including contributions from The FA and Premier League in England, and local fundraising campaigns like the Scottish FA’s "Pitching In" initiative, which aims to generate £50 million over the next five years.
Clubs and organisations are now encouraged to apply for funding. In England, applications are open year-round through the Football Foundation. Wales-based clubs can apply via the Cymru Football Foundation, while application windows in Scotland and Northern Ireland will be announced soon on their respective FA websites. The first wave of successful applicants is expected to be revealed in summer 2025. Photo by John Lord from Edinburgh, Scotland, Wikimedia commons.