SPORT: Tigers receive £1,500 grant to help with pitch maintenance

Axminster Town Football Club have welcomed a £1,500 grant from the Football Foundation to help with pitch maintenance.

The Premier League, The FA, the government and Sport England have come together through their Football Foundation to launch a new 'Pitch Preparation Fund' in support of the game, which is currently facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The fund is providing almost £10million of financial support to those struggling to maintain their football pitches across the country having lost out on normal revenue streams during this difficult period.

The move will help to get clubs in a position to start playing football again when it is safe to do so, following government advice, and is estimated to benefit up to 4,000 grassroots clubs and organisations.

Axminster is one several clubs across the local area to benefit from the fund.

Manager Josh Stunell said: "With over seven acres of land to maintain this grant is extremely welcome and will be put towards the cost of seeding, verti-draining and general maintenance.

"The upkeep and maintenance of pitches is of extreme importance to us as it allows more than 150 children, one ladies' team and two men's teams to play football on some of the best surfaces in Devon.

"Our groundsman Jamie Barfoot does an exceptional job and very rarely do we have to cancel games, and that is down to all of Jamie's hard-work and dedication."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "These are unprecedented times, not only within football but for society as a whole, and our thoughts are with all those who have been directly affected by COVID-19.

"On top of our existing financial commitment to football facilities, this funding will ensure vital work can be conducted on pitches across the country to help clubs prepare for when it is safe for the game to resume."

Mark Bullingham, The FA's chief executive officer, added: "These are extraordinary and challenging times not just for football, but across society and as always, our first thoughts are with those families affected.

"We remain committed to supporting clubs during this uncertain period and that's why The FA has joined forces with the Premier League and government to create this new initiative."

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston commented: "We're doing all we can to help the sport sector through this difficult time and that includes grassroots football that has such a positive impact on millions of people's lives.

"This funding from the government, the Premier League and The FA will help clubs upgrade their facilities so they are ready to go as soon as it's safe to start playing again."

The Tigers are now looking forward to starting the new season when the government gives the go ahead for team sports to resume.

The ladies' team and men's first team resumed training last week in accordance with the FA social distancing guidelines, and the second team are hoping to start training shortly.