Coalville Town will benefit from North West Leicestershire District Council funding designed to improve football pitches across the district.

Footballers in the area will soon be able to practice their skills on improved pitch surfaces thanks to a cash boost for new equipment.

The district council has secured £25,000 in funding from the Football Foundation - and has invested a further £10,000 for equipment to boost pitch performance across the district including the pitch at Coalville Town.

Reports from a Pitch Improvement Programme (PIP) inspection completed by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland FA, showed that actions were needed to improve the overall pitch quality at The Ravens' Owen Street ground - allowing the district council to apply for a maintenance equipment grant on their behalf.

The funding will go towards a mini tractor and a new drainage system which will help to clear surface water from the pitch, promote better grass coverage and keep matches running through the winter months.

Members of the grounds maintenance team at North West Leicestershire District Council, who work at Coalville Town also completed a Level 1 course in football groundsmanship to boost their existing qualifications and experience.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: "Funding from the Football Foundation has provided us with a great opportunity to invest in high-quality equipment to keep our sport pitches across the district in great condition all year round.

"We hope that by improving the quality of pitches, it will transform the football experience and encourage more people of all abilities to take up the sport.

"The grounds maintenance team has now been trained and we're looking forward to seeing the results once the team get started on their new maintenance plan."

Glyn Rennocks, Chairman at Coalville Town Football Club, said: "We're really impressed with the district council's dedication to improving the quality of our pitch and securing the funding for the new equipment which will help us to reach the required pitch standard.

"The better the pitches you play on, the better football you play so we're hoping that it will help to attract some new players and bring more of the community together – which is important now more than ever."

More information on funding available through the Football Foundation can be found https://footballfoundation.org.uk/HERE[.L].