FOOTBALL pitches across Herefordshire have been given a cash boost of £55,500 thanks to a national fund.

The Pitch Preparation Fund providing grants to clubs that have lost out on normal revenue due to Covid-19 to help them to get pitches ready for when it is safe to play football again, following Government advice.

The scheme set up by the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

In Herefordshire 22 clubs and organisations were awarded the funds allowing 87 football pitches to be made 'match-fit', benefitting 221 local football teams.

Of the clubs that have received funds in Hereford 18 are grassroots clubs

and four clubs in the non-league pyramid system.

Dan Chance, Herefordshire FA senior football development officer said: “It is fantastic to see this level of investment going into Herefordshire’s pitches.

"For many clubs the cost of preparing pitches during the off-season can be a significant part of their annual budget, so being able to reduce those costs in these uncertain times is important.

"We know many staff and volunteers across the county spend countless hours working on club pitches, so hopefully this funding will enable them to continue that good work.”

The grants awarded will help with essential maintenance works toward grass pitches, including vertical decompaction, slitting, over seeding, fertilising and weed killing, as well as routine preparatory works such as grass cutting and the setting out and line marking of pitches.

For artificial surfaces, eligible works include deep cleaning, over-marking and FA pitch testing.

Robert Sullivan, interim chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This new investment into Herefordshire will provide crucial support for football in the area.

“Our national game is a proven driver of mental and physical health benefits, so it’s important local pitches are match-fit in the event that the Government announces it’s safe for the game to start again.

“That is why we’ve worked with the Premier League, The FA, the Government and Sport England to set up the Pitch Preparation Fund. These 22 grants we’re announcing today will help ensure 87 pitches across Herefordshire are in a good condition when the time comes.”

Clubs and other organisations are also being given access to the Football Foundation Groundskeeping Community.

This is a free online resource the Foundation developed with The FA and the Grounds Management Association, containing advice and guidance. Anyone in Herefordshire can sign up at https://thefa.hivelearning.com/groundskeeping.