£800,000 funding boost for artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

New artificial sports pitches will be built in Renfrewshire as part of further £800,000 investment by Renfrewshire Council in outdoor sports facilities.

The Renfrewshire Artificial Pitches Grant Fund will offer up to a maximum of £400,000 in match funding to constituted groups, charities or organisations to create new artificial pitches in the area with the aim of increasing provision for all sports and activities in Renfrewshire.

As part of the funding award, the pitches will be required to be accessible for communities at evenings and weekends wherever possible, able to be used in all weather conditions and show a clear path to increased participation in sport.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “As part of our budget setting, we wanted to provide further funding for outdoor sports facilities in Renfrewshire as we recognise the importance of providing people with the opportunity to play competitive and recreational sport.

“This funding will allow local clubs and organisations to bring new artificial pitches to the area and will enhance our ongoing investment in sport in Renfrewshire – with an international-class hockey pitch and running track now in place at On-X in Linwood, upgraded facilities at Ferguslie sports centre, and new football pitches and a pavilion at St James Playing Fields.”

The funding is for new pitches on land owned or leased by the organisation and is not available for the replacement of current artificial pitches as part of their general maintenance. Fencing, goals, floodlights will be considered for funding, but it is expected these would be funded from alternative sources.

The funding coincides with the Scottish Football Association’s Pitching In campaign which launched recently with the aims of attracting further partner investment to build and upgrade 90 3G pitches and renovate 75 changing rooms by 2030 – all as part of a wider campaign to raise £50m over the next five years to improve football facilities across the country.

Mike Mulraney, Scottish FA President: “When I became President, I made no secret of the fact that improving facilities at all levels should be the association’s No.1 priority.

“Pitching In is our commitment to that pledge. We all know the socio-economic challenges facing the country at local and national level and so we want to work in partnership to improve existing facilities and create them where there is need.

“This will increase participation, improve health and wellbeing and allow more people to experience the Power of Football.”

The grant process in Renfrewshire is now open and constituted groups, charities or organisations can register their interest at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/artificial-pitches-fund.