People living in the Orpington and Farnborough area are set to benefit from fresh investment into local football facilities. Farnborough OBG have been awarded a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, to upgrade their pitches.

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 Farnborough OBG FC, who give 120 players the chance to play football each week, to improve their pitch facilities.

Players will be able to enjoy better quality pitches, which will represent a significant improvement on the existing poorly drained surfaces.

Farnborough OBG worked with the Football Foundation and the County FA to secure a £20,160 grant towards the project. The award is split over the next six years which equates to £3,360 per year, to be spent on top dressing and overseeding of the club’s two pitches.

Danny Saines, Chairman of Farnborough OBG FC, commented:

“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 the area and get even more people involved in the nation’s favourite game.”

Kent FA Football Development Manager, Lee Suter, said: “The Kent FA is committed to supporting our clubs on the field as much as possible with funding and support. FOBGFC have demonstrated what a dedicated volunteer workforce with a vision can achieve and ultimately improve the playing experience for everyone within the club and its football community”.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added:

“We’re dedicated to improving grassroots football facilities because we want to encourage more people to get involved in our nation’s favourite game, regardless of their background, age or ability. That’s why I’m delighted that this funding will support Farnborough OBG in developing improved pitches for the local community.

“Made possible by investment from the Premier League, The FA and the Government, via Sport England, the Football Foundation is supporting the grassroots game by improving access to high-quality football facilities across the country. We believe in the power of pitches to transform lives and strengthen communities and so we’ll be investing £1bn across the country over the next 10 years.”