Grassroots clubs in Essex applaud the government funding announcement

Grassroots sporting projects across Essex will receive a share of £93 million of national funding, the government said.

Harwich and Dovercourt High School will receive nearly £900,000 to help build an all-weather pitch while Galleywood Youth FC will receive £9,630.

Braintree's Notley Youth FC have been awarded £7,159 to install a fence to prevent rabbits from entering the field of play.

Club volunteer Martyn Barnard said managers currently have to plug holes created by rabbits on the pitch before matches.

“The grant will improve that side of things,” he said.

“This will really help make the playgrounds better for kids to play on. Getting this money will really improve the condition of the playground.”

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said that more than 1,100 sports projects will benefit from funding at the national level.

Joe Sears, welfare officer at Bromfield FC, in Chelmsford, said the £3,772 the club received was a “lifeline”.

“We are very lucky to have our own shows but we still live a good life as we need to fundraise.

“If we get any grant, it is all down to our ability to provide grassroots and participatory football for both girls and boys.”

A total of 27 organizations across Essex County were given a cash boost as part of the announcement on Saturday.

They included clubs in Tendring, Saffron Walden, Epping Forest, Basildon and Maldon.