Football Foundation Celebrates 25 Years Of Game Changing Impact
Fara Williams, Anton Ferdinand and Trustees from the Football Foundation’s funding partners, Richard Masters (Premier League), Mark Bullingham (The FA), and Sport England CEO Simon Hayes, came together to celebrate 25 years of the Football Foundation driving grassroots impact.
The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation marked the milestone at Burgess Park Sports Centre which opened in June this year thanks to a £2.4 million grant from the Football Foundation.
The unique partnership was formed at the turn of the century with the goal of providing grassroots facility improvements for all, regardless of gender, race, disability or place.
The Foundation has made a significant impact across the country since 2000, funding 1,300 3G pitches, 15,000 grass pitches and 1,700 changing rooms, inspiring healthier lives and strengthening communities every day.
As well as looking back on the Foundation’s work to date, the event at Burgess Park offered an opportunity to look ahead. With the exponential growth of the game, particularly among women and girls, the Football Foundation’s mission continues via its ‘Game Changing’ 5-year plan which was officially launched at the event.
At the core of this new strategy are the Foundation’s Local Football Facility Plans, which have been developed in partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders. These Plans are a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements that will deliver where need is greatest and impact is strongest, creating inclusive opportunities for generations to come.
Reflecting on 25 years of impact, Richard Masters, CEO of the Premier League, said: “We are proud to have co-funded the development of grassroots facilities through the Football Foundation since it formed 25 years ago, enabling millions of people to lead more active lives.
“The Premier League is committed to supporting every level of the game, and providing pitches and facilities that benefit people across the country is a key part of that. The new development at Burgess Park is a great example of the many sites that have been improved through Football Foundation investment. Its positive impact on the local community will be felt for years to come.
“It is thanks to the ongoing success and growth of English football that we can continue to deliver vital funds into the Football Foundation, in partnership with The FA and the Government.”
Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, added: “We are very proud of our 25-year partnership with the Football Foundation – a remarkable milestone that highlights our shared commitment to grassroots football.
“Through our partnership with the Premier League and the Government, the Football Foundation has built, transformed and revitalised thousands of grassroots facilities across England.
“These facilities have helped to strengthen communities, promote health and wellbeing, and inspire millions to take part in our national game. Investment into local facilities has never been more important, and we look forward to working with our partners to ensure our grassroots game continues to thrive over the years to come.”
The Football Foundation’s new ‘Game-Changing’ strategy, which aims to ensure everyone across the country leads healthier lives and has stronger communities, is now in motion.
The 5-year strategy will deliver 5 ‘game changers’ which are:
– Focusing on building new, and improving 3G pitches
– Delivering 3G projects identified by our Local Football Facility Plans in areas of high priority (Sport England’s Place Partnership areas)
– Meeting the growing needs of the Women’s and Girls’ game
– Funding sustainable facilities that support community clubs
– Knowing all Football Foundation pitches and support them to achieve the intended impact.
Former Premier League star Anton Ferdinand said: “I’ve seen firsthand the impact of Football Foundation supported facilities in South London and the country more widely and am delighted to be here to celebrate 25 years of investment into the game I love.
“These young people are so lucky to have such brilliant facilities, a luxury not all of us have had! I’m excited to see the impact of facilities like this in shaping the next generation of players at all levels.”
Former Lioness star Fara Williams, a Football Foundation supporter, spoke of her pride in advocating for the Foundation’s goals. She said: “The growth of the women’s and girls’ game in recent years has been incredible, but we know it starts with giving girls the same opportunities to play as boys.
“The Football Foundation is making that possible by creating safe, welcoming places where dreams can begin, like here in South London where I grew up. I’m proud to play a part in helping the next generation of girls fall in love with football just like I did.”
Images: Football Foundation
