22 May Stephen Metcalfe welcomes Government’s investment to transform grassroots sports facilities across Basildon and Thurrock and get more people active
Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the news that the Conservative Government is investing thousands of pounds in local clubs and facilities including Corringham Athletic YFC, Corringham Cosmos YFC, James Hornsby High School, Hashtag United FC, and Perry Street Girls FC.
In total, 1,700 grassroots sports facilities across the UK are benefitting from the £68 million investment – improving access to high-quality facilities.
Projects support a range of facility types, from goalposts, changing rooms, grass pitches, 3G football turf pitches and pavilions, to floodlights, fencing and improved disabled access.
This funding comes from the latest allocations of a £300 million UK wide capital investment in grassroots facilities to deliver upgrades, improvements and new pitches – making more high-quality facilities available for people to play football, hockey and other grassroots sports.
At least 50 per cent per cent of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport.
This will help to deliver the big mental health and wellbeing benefits associated with sport, improving the wellbeing of the nation and helping to cut NHS waiting lists. Cutting waiting lists is one of the Conservative Government’s five priorities, as well as halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, and stopping the boats.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, said:
“Grassroots facilities are essential for nurturing future sporting talent and encouraging people to get active which benefits their physical and mental wellbeing.
That is why I welcome the funding from the Conservative Government which will see the areas around Basildon and Thurrock benefit from nearly £20,000 to improve sports facilities.
Helping people get active is key to delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to cut NHS waiting lists by encouraging people to live healthier lives and become more engaged in sport.”
Commenting, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.
Today we are delivering more than 1,700 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across the UK to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport – so that physical activity is accessible to all.”
