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Vale Recreation Football Club awarded funding to revamp football facilities

People living in Guernsey are set to benefit from fresh investment into local football facilities. Vale Recreation Football Club (“Vale Rec”) have been awarded a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, to upgrade their pitch  maintenance equipment at the Corbet Field.

The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity and exists to improve the experience of playing football for everyone, by championing fair access to quality facilities.

This grant will enable Vale Rec, which gives over 300 players the chance to play football each week, to upgrade their pitch maintenance equipment, much of which is over 20 years old, for the benefit of all players.

Players will be able to enjoy better quality pitches, which are in need of further renovation with the new equipment.

Vale Rec worked with the Football Foundation and the Guernsey FA to secure a £16,170 grant towards the project.

Jody Bisson, Committee Member for Vale Rec, said: “Football makes a huge difference to the players, coaches and community here. We see first-hand the impact on players’ confidence, physical health and mental focus. To receive this funding from the Premier League, The FA and the Government through the Football Foundation means a lot to us, as it will help us to improve grassroots sport in Guernsey and get even more people involved in the nation’s favourite game.”

Robert Sullivan, Interim Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We know the huge benefits playing regular football can have on individuals’ physical and mental well-being.  That’s why we’re committed to transforming the face of grassroots football facilities in this country.  It’s therefore very welcome news to hear that this funding will support Vale Recreation Football Club in developing the Corbet Field for their local community.

“Working with our partners – the Premier League, The FA, government and Sport England – we will be investing in over £1bn worth of local facilities across the country over the next decade.  We believe we can transform lives and strengthen communities by unlocking the power of pitches and this is another project that brings us closer to that ultimate goal.”

Guernsey FA Chief Executive Officer, Gary Roberts added:

“Confirmation of Football Foundation funding support for Vale Recreation’s project at the Corbet Field is great news. I am pleased that the GFA has been able to support the club in accessing this funding support and providing support and guidance during the process. This news illustrates that even though football is currently suspended, the GFA and the volunteers at Vale Rec and other clubs are continuing to work to ensure that the sport is in the best possible position when it is able to resume. We look forward to working with the local clubs and Football Foundation to secure additional support for the sport in Guernsey.”