Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, has been working hard to secure more funding and support for local football clubs who have faced difficulties over the past year. Earlier this week, he wrote to the Minister for Sport about more funding for grassroots football across the town and recently met with the Football Foundation about investment into local facilities.
Following his meeting, the Football Foundation identified three major projects that they are looking to deliver to improve local football facilities including:
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Paringdon Sports Centre – new 3G pitch, grass pitch improvements. Both would support the development of the formal and informal/recreational opportunities for the local community.
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Great Parndon Sports Centre – new 3G pitch and new pavilion – this would support the growth of the affiliated game and there would be a strong emphasis on the small sided opportunities
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Church Langley Country Park – refurbish pavilion and improve grass pitches and a small sided facility. A key site for football and will replace the old facilities which are in need of upgrading.
The potential investment into Harlow would be around £1.3 million, which comes on top of the £8 million the Government has announced to improve pitches across the country as part of their bid to bring football home by hosting the 2030 Football World Cup.
Commenting, Mr Halfon said: “I have been working hard to support the dozens of incredible sports clubs we are so lucky to have in Harlow - including grassroots football teams. I am delighted that these three projects have been identified and I will do all I can to ensure they become a reality.
“I urge any sports club that is facing difficulties to contact me directly and I will do all I can to help. They play a huge role in our community and provide opportunities to so many young people.
“This is just one way in which we are working to build an even better Harlow with more investment into our town.”