Grassroots football across the UK is getting a major lift, with the Government investing hundreds of millions of pounds to improve local sports facilities and make football more accessible for everyone.

Nearly 1,000 community projects have already benefited from new and upgraded facilities in 2025/26 — and more funding is on the way.

What’s Being Invested?

Through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, 991 projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have received funding to improve local sports spaces. These improvements include:

• All-weather (3G) pitches for year-round football

• Floodlights to extend evening playing hours

• New goalposts, fencing and storage

• Modern changing pavilions, designed to welcome women and girls

• Facilities that can also support schools, health programmes and community events

These upgrades help clubs cope with bad weather, rising costs, and growing demand — while creating safer, more inclusive spaces for players, coaches and volunteers.

Supporting the Communities That Need It Most

At least 50% of all funding is going directly to the 30% most deprived communities in the UK. This means clubs in areas that have struggled with poor pitches and outdated facilities are finally getting the support they need.

For families facing cost-of-living pressures, these local improvements provide low-cost ways to stay active close to home — helping physical and mental health while bringing communities together.

Backing Women, Girls and Under-Served Groups

A key focus of the funding is removing barriers for groups that have been under-represented in grassroots sport, including:

• Women and girls

• People with disabilities

• Ethnic minority communities

Funded sites will include:

• Better changing facilities

• Priority pitch time for women’s and girls’ teams

• Safer, more welcoming environments

Over the next five years, the aim is to move towards equal access to prime-time slots for women’s and girls’ football as demand continues to grow.

What’s Next? £85 Million Now Open for Applications

The Government has now announced the next phase of funding:

• £85 million available for 2026/27

• Applications now open in England

• Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow

This is part of a £400 million long-term commitment to grassroots sport, designed to improve health, reduce pressure on the NHS, and strengthen communities through sport.

Why This Matters for Grassroots Football

Better facilities mean:

• More games played, whatever the weather

• More players able to join and stay involved

• Stronger clubs that can grow sustainably

• Healthier, more connected communities

For grassroots football organisations, this investment is a real opportunity — not just to improve pitches and buildings, but to open doors for the next generation of players, volunteers and fans.