Three 3G!

Surrey County FA are pleased to report that the Football Foundation have announced funding for three new third generation floodlit artificial grass pitches in Surrey.

On 26 October 2009, the Football Foundation confirmed funding for all three projects, which is a great boost for Surrey and moves the County closer to its ambition of having at least one 3G floodlit artificial grass pitch in every one of the 16 local authorities in Surrey.

These pitches have a longer pile filled with sand and topped with rubber crumb. It is the preferred surface for football for its likeness to real grass, but can also be used for other grass-based sports such as rugby and lacrosse. The surface has also been endorsed for hockey up to school level.

The new facilities that have been funded include FA Charter Standard Community Club Tooting & Mitcham FC in Merton who received a grant of £349,292, plus £150,000 awarded by The Football Association as part of their capital allocation within Whole Sport Plan agreed with Sport England. This represents 55 per cent of funding towards the total project costs (£900,292) of the construction of a new floodlight full sized third generation artificial grass pitch and changing rooms. 

Coloma Convent Girls School in Croydon received a grant of £228,399, representing 60 per cent of funding towards the total project costs (£382,399.00) towards the construction of a new floodlight (70m x 52m) third generation artificial grass pitch. The School have also been awarded a revenue grant of £15,000 representing 19 per cent of funding towards the total project costs (£79,638) of the employment of a part time Football Development Co-ordinator.

The Matthew Arnold School in Spelthorne received a grant of £254,438, representing 48 per cent of funding towards the total project costs (£530,766) of the construction of a new floodlight full sized third generation artificial grass pitch. 

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grassroots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity.

Surrey County FA works with applicants to develop facilities, provide advice and guidance on the process required and ensure that each applicant maximises the development of football in their community.

Caroline McRoyall, Surrey County FA Development Manager, said: “This has been day for facility development in Surrey, and with each pitch open for community use will provide grassroots clubs with the best training surface. The Surrey County FA are committed to improving facilities throughout Surrey which is a vital part of our four year strategy.” 

Stuart Lamb, FA Regional Facilities Manager, South East added “Each of these projects will provide excellent facilities for their surrounding communities and deserve tremendous credit for being successful in obtaining Football Foundation awards. We are working with a number of clubs, schools and Local Authorities to help them realise their facility ambitions”.