Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, is delighted that after raising the issue of lack of investment in local football clubs with the Premier League, seven grants worth £14,500 in total have been awarded to clubs in Wealden through the Pitch Preparation Club.

The Pitch Preparation Club was launched by The Premier League, The FA, the Government and Sport England through the Football Foundation, to invest in projects to improve the facilities at lower league football stadia around the country.

The new £9.56m fund is aimed at supporting clubs and organisations to get their natural and artificial playing surfaces match-fit and ready for when it is safe for football to resume. 

The successful organisations offered Pitch Preparation Fund grants are:

• Alderbrook playing field, Crowborough
• Fords Green, Nutley
• Forest Row sports ground
• Hadlow Down MW cricket club
• Hailsham Town FC
• Lime Kiln playing field, Crowborough
• The Oaks, Uckfield 

Any organisation in Wealden can also access free quality advice on looking after their pitches via the Football Foundation Groundskeeping Community app. Please sign up here.

Nus Ghani said: “Having stressed the lack of investment in Wealden football clubs to the Premier League, I am pleased to share this excellent news. The grants will not only improve local facilities and enhance the experience of playing football, but also strengthen our communities in coming together to enjoy the game they love.”