A national funding programme is inviting applications.

Funding is available for grassroots football organisations in England to sustain football pitches already at a 'good' level and to enhance pitches that are either considered 'poor' or 'basic'.

The Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund is provided by the Football Foundation, a partnership charity formed by the Premier League, the Football Association, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Sport England. The charity's aim is 'to transform lives and strengthen communities through the power of football'.

To be eligible for this fund the applicant must own the freehold, have an uninterruptible lease of 10 years, have a licence for 10 years or have the written consent of the landowner.

Eligible organisations include:

• Grassroots football clubs.
• Leagues.
• Charities.
• National League System Clubs Step 1-6 (only for pitches at the site that are used for community football).

Funding falls into two categories - 'Enhance' or 'Sustain'. The applicant's PitchPower pitch inspection (a requirement of the grant) will provide a Performance Quality Standard (PQS) per pitch, which will help the Football Foundation decide how much funding the organisation is eligible for.

Grants will be tapered down every two years by 33% (Years 1 and 2 = 100%; Years 3 and 4 = 67%; Years 5 and 6 = 33%).

Clubs must source independent, appropriately qualified professionals to carry out works recommended in their PitchPower Assessment Report.

The deadline for completion of PitchPower inspections is 31 March 2022. The deadline for submission of applications to the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund is 1 May 2022.

How To Apply

The deadline for completion of PitchPower inspections is 31 March 2022. The deadline for submission of applications to the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund is 1 May 2022.

The online application form can be found on the Football Foundation website. Organisations must first create an account for the Foundation's grants portal and can then access the application guidance notes and the online application form.