Premier League, FA and Government boost investment in grassroots game
The Premier League, the Football Association and the government have joined forces to invest in grassroots facilities.
A day after the 20 top-flight clubs pledged to set aside at least £1 billion of television money for the rest of the football pyramid, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, FA chairman Greg Dyke and sports minister Helen Grant announced plans in London.
A joint initiative to build more 3G pitches in 150 sport hubs across 30 cities over the next five years was revealed, and Scudamore said: "The government's initiative is brilliant news for the grassroots of the game.
"We will work with them as a committed partner to ensure that the scheme is implemented as rapidly as possible."
In December, the government said it would invest an additional £50 million in football's grassroots facilities and coaching.
The FA agreed to match that, while the Premier League has committed to invest in facilities as a funding priority through to at least 2019.
The investment will be in addition to the £102m of funding already going into the Premier League and FA facilities fund, which is administered by the Football Foundation, over three years from 2013-14.
The move comes after FA chairman Dyke proposed an overhaul of grassroots facilities in his England Commission report.
He said: "We have identified grassroots facilities as a major priority for the FA. It is great that our idea for hubs up and down England is being backed by both Government and the Premier League."
