• More than 1,700 new and improved multi-sports grassroots facilities across the UK are benefiting from £68 million from the Government, encouraging people to get active by participating in sport. 
• Levelling up access to sport and improving people’s mental and physical well-being helps to build stronger communities as the Conservative Government works to deliver on its priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. 

Rebecca Harris has welcomed an £8,495 investment from the Conservative Government to transform sports facilities in Castle Point to get more people active and nurture future sporting talent. The King John School, Thundersley Rovers YFC, Supreme Youth FC and Junior Red Star YFC all received funding. 

Facilities in Castle Point will benefit from the funding, and across the UK, 1,700 new and improved multi-sports grassroots facilities are benefiting from £68 million from the Government – improving access to high-quality facilities. 

Projects support a range of facility types, from the creation or upgrade of changing rooms, grass pitches and 3G football turf pitches and pavilions, to floodlights, fencing and improved disabled access.

This funding comes from the latest allocations of a £300 million UK-wide capital investment in grassroots facilities to deliver upgrades, improvements and new pitches – making more high-quality facilities available for people to play football, hockey and other grassroots sports. 

At least 50% of the investment will be spent in underprivileged areas to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. This programme will also ensure particular focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability. 

This will help to deliver the huge mental health and well-being benefits associated with sport, improving the well-being of the nation and helping to cut NHS waiting lists. Cutting waiting lists is one of the Conservative Government’s five priorities, as well as halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, and stopping the boats. 

Commenting, Rebecca Harris MP said:

“Grassroots facilities are essential for nurturing future sporting talent and encouraging people to get active which benefits their physical and mental wellbeing.

“That is why I welcome the funding from the Conservative Government which will see Castle Point benefit from £8,495 to improve our local sports facilities and help more people access them. 

“Helping people get active is key to delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to cut NHS waiting lists by encouraging people to live healthier lives and become more engaged in sport.”

Commenting, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

“We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health. 

“Today we are delivering more than 1,700 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across the UK to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport - so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location