Former Leicester City stars Dion Dublin and Matt Elliott saw how the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund (PLFAFF) is making an impact in local football in Leicestershire when they opened a new pitch in the East Midlands.
Dublin and Elliott cut the ribbon at a new floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch at Wreake Valley Academy in Syston built with the help of a £350,740 grant from the PLFAFF.
As well as being used by the Academy’s 1,300 pupils, the rejuvenated facility will also be utilised extensively by the wider community including Syston Town JFC - one of Dublin's former clubs - and Riverside FC clubs, Leicester City Community Trust, Leicester City Ladies while Leicester City will run school holiday courses and player pathway satellite sessions.
"This new 3G surface is incredible when you compare it to the sort of run-down pitches that were being used here until recently," said Dublin. "It will also become a home for local grassroots clubs and footballers from the wider community."
By having a pitch that can be used throughout the year, the Academy's football development plan envisages a rise in the number of affiliated teams from 14 to 69 and an increase in participation at the site of 245% over the next five years.
"The pitch will provide local grassroots footballers of all ages and abilities with a place to come and enjoy playing football," said Elliott.
"The pitch that was here previously couldn't keep pace with demand but that won't be a problem with the new surface, which is also floodlit meaning play can continue even when the nights draw in early."
The PLFAFF, financed by the Premier League, The FA, and the Government, via Sport England and delivered by the Football Foundation, is committed to improving the country's roster of local football facilities and aims to improve the experience for regular players as well as attracting new players to the game.
See: Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund
