Surrey County FA are pleased to report that another two new football facilities funded through the Football Foundation have been officially opened this month adding to another great year of facility investment in Surrey.
On Sunday 6th December 2009, Ewhurst Youth and Sports Club opened their new Pavilion, which will provide both the Senior Football Club and Junior Football Club with facilities which meet the needs of the 21st century. They have also completed extensive drainage works to the pitches.
Ewhurst Parish Council where awarded a grant of £315,881.00 in December 2008 representing 69% of funding towards the total project costs of £456,338.00 for the developments at Broomers Lane Recreation Ground
Following this 4 days later, on Thursday 10th December 2009 was the official opening of the new third generation artificial pitch and changing rooms at the Xcel Leisure Centre, in Walton on Thames. Chelsea Goalkeeper Petr Cech opened the facilities alongside the Mayor of Elmbridge. The Football Foundation awarded Elmbridge Borough Council a grant of £949,500.00 in May 2008, representing 55% of funding towards the total project costs of £1,717,614.00.
The Council will be maximising the use of the pitch by engaging with a wide range of partners to help develop the football in the wider community, including use by Walton Casuals FC, the Surrey County FA Disability League and Chelsea for community coaching and inclusion work.
2009 has been another great year for facility development in Surrey with a total of 5 new facility openings and 4 new funding awards being made by the Football Foundation. In total a further £2.3 million pounds has been invested into new and improved facilities in Surrey, which will hopefully all be opened in 2010.
The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity.
Surrey County FA works with applicants to develop facilities providing advice and guidance on the process required, ensuring that each applicant maximises the development of football in their community.
Caroline McRoyall, Surrey County FA Development Manager said “this year has been great for facility development in Surrey, and each facility opening brings increased opportunities for the development of the game. The Surrey County FA are committed to improving facilities throughout Surrey which is a vital part of our four year strategy”
Stuart Lamb, FA Regional Facilities Manager, South East added “Each of these projects will provide excellent facilities for their surrounding communities and deserve tremendous credit for being successful in obtaining Football Foundation awards. We are working with a number of clubs, schools and Local Authorities to help them realise their facility ambitions”.
For further information please contact Caroline McRoyall, County Development Manager on 07917 392823 or by email caroline.mcroyall@surreyfa.com