Green light for investment in amateur football pitches in Burnley

Sports fans living in the Burnley and Pendle area are set to benefit from fresh investment into local football facilities.
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Burnley Belvedere Football Club has been awarded a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, to upgrade ground maintenance equipment at their Holden Road ground.

The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity and exists to improve the experience of playing football for everyone, by championing fair access to quality facilities.

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Grassroots football matches and training cannot take place now due to the COVID-19 outbreak and will only restart when it is safe to do so following government advice, but this funding is great news for local football in the meantime.

A new tractor for Burnley BelevedereA new tractor for Burnley Belevedere
A new tractor for Burnley Belevedere

This grant will enable Burnley Belvedere’s 14 senior and junior teams, who play in various leagues in and around Lancashire, to maximise the opportunity to play football every week, and improve their grass pitch facilities.

Players will be able to enjoy better quality pitches thanks to the enhanced capabilities of the new equipment, which will represent a significant improvement on the existing pitches which need renovation.

Burnley Belvedere FC worked with the Football Foundation and the Lancashire FA to secure a £10,497 grant towards the project.

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Bernard Casey, chairman of Burnley Belvedere FC, said: “Football makes a huge difference to the players, managers and volunteers from the local communities that support the club.

"We see first-hand the impact on players’ confidence, physical health and mental focus. To receive this funding from the Premier League, The FA and the Government through the Football Foundation means a lot to us, as it will help us to improve grassroots football in the local communities of Burnley and Pendle and get even more people involved in the nation’s favourite game.”

Robert Sullivan, interim chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We know the huge benefits playing regular football can have on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. That’s why we’re committed to transforming the face of grassroots football facilities in this country.

"It’s therefore very welcome news to hear that this funding will support Burnley Belvedere FC in developing their grass pitches for their local community.

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Rachel Owen, facilities and investment officer, said: “Lancashire FA are delighted for Burnley Belvedere in receiving the funding for new maintenance machinery. We know the impact this funding will have on the club and local community at this crucial time, meaning better quality pitches and more games can be played every year."