SEVEN Tyne Valley football clubs are receiving funding to improve the quality of their pitches.

The Football Foundation has awarded £453,877 to 23 Northumberland football clubs through its Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.

Pitch inspections were completed using Pitch Power, the Football Foundation’s specially developed digital pitch inspection technology, to assess and grade the quality of grass football pitches. 

The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity and aims to improve the playing experience by championing fair access to quality facilities. 

The funds will help eligible organisations enhance or sustain the quality of their grass pitches. Seven clubs in or near Tynedale were awarded funding, including Prudhoe Youth FC and Haydon Bridge United FC.

READ MORE: Park's centenary celebrated with "fantastic" giant family picnic

In Northumberland, 77 pitches were assessed using Pitch Power of which 57 received a good or advanced Pitch Quality score. 

Others are in poorer condition, and this can make them unplayable, especially during severe wet weather. The Met Office has reported that the past 18 months are the wettest since records began in 1836.

Clubs who have completed a Pitch Power inspection have received a bespoke maintenance programme for their site and funding tapered over six years to ensure long-term and lasting results. 

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for Promoting Healthy Lives said: “Access to high-quality pitches for training and matches is key to enjoying the sport, especially during the winter months. However, many grassroots football clubs tell us that poor grass pitches are their biggest issue with some becoming waterlogged and unplayable, meaning matches are postponed. 

“The county council has been working closely with the Football Foundation and local clubs to ensure Northumberland gets the maximum funding and that it is directed to the right places. We are very grateful for this investment.” 

Northumberland Football Association head of business development, Helen Beales, said: “Improving football facilities is a vital part of our work, providing safe, good quality pitches for all our grassroots football community to enjoy.”

Clubs that have received funding are: 

  • Allendale Juniors 
  • Alnwick Town Juniors 
  • Amble AFC 
  • Berwick Rangers Community Academy 
  • Blyth Spartans Juniors 
  • Blyth Town FC 
  • Cramlington Juniors (Ann Welfare) 
  • Cramlington Juniors (Kramal) 
  • Cramlington Town FC 
  • Cramlington United Juniors (Northburn) 
  • Ellington Juniors FC 
  • Haydon Bridge United FC 
  • Heddon United 
  • AFC Newbiggin 
  • Longhougton Rangers Juniors 
  • North Sunderland FC 
  • Ponteland United FC (Middle School) 
  • Prudhoe Youth FC (Eastwoods Park) 
  • Rothbury FC 
  • Seaton Delaval FC 
  • Stobswood Miners Welfare 
  • Tweedmouth Rangers FC 
  • Wallington FC 
  • Wylam Rockets FC