Increasing Pitch Access Grant

The Increasing Pitch Access Grant is a new funding initiative designed to help colleges to collaborate with local grassroots football by opening up their pitches for community use. This targeted support will help colleges to upgrade facilities and to access support to improve the quality of grass pitches in partnership with a local grassroots club.

By strengthening community ties and working in partnership with a local grassroots club, colleges are encouraged to explore how any partnerships driven by the IPAG can develop opportunities for student leaders in the community.

Grant Objectives

This fund is focused on four key outcomes:

1. Improve Standards of College Facilities – Enable colleges to enhance facility access and improve the quality of their grass pitches through targeted investment.
2. Increase Access to College Facilities – Support colleges in opening any grass and artificial turf pitches that are currently private use for community use.
3. Create Community Partnerships – Facilitate the development of partnerships between colleges and local football clubs, driving participation and volunteering opportunities where possible.
4. Develop Best Practice – Utilise standardised guidance documents to ensure successful partnerships can be replicated and best practice shared across the sector.

Eligibility Criteria

The Increasing Pitch Access Grant is open to all full AoC Member colleges. Eligible colleges must own or have long-term leases on grass or artificial turf pitches. Colleges must commit to increasing community access in partnerships with a local football club.

What’s in Scope?

Funding of £1,500 per pitch is available with each college limited to a maximum of £6,000. Applicants are expected to match fund (minimum 50%) any successful applications to increase scale of impact.

Funding can be used for a range of site modifications and/or operational support that would be essential to creating access. This includes but is not limited to:

• Security enhancements
• Lighting improvements
• Staff time allocation
• Booking system infrastructure
• Additional public liability insurance cover
• Goal posts and essential equipment (aligned to new activity)

Expectations

Any successful applicant increasing access to at least one grass pitch will be required to complete a Football Foundation Pitch Power pitch inspection. This pre requisite is mandatory to unlock additional support and investment to improve the standard of grass pitches.

Throughout the duration of the facility upgrade, to monitor progress, any successful applicant will be required to:

• Complete quantitative (survey) and qualitative (121 calls) monitoring
• Complete a post project survey to contribute towards future case studies

Applications

Applications must include details of the pitches proposed for community use, evidence of match funding and letters of support from community partners.

Funding decisions will be communicated within six weeks of the application deadline, and successful applicants will receive guidance on next steps.

Applications will remain open until Friday 31^st October. Any interested parties are encouraged to discuss potential applications with Matt Rhodes.

Support Available

AoC will provide guidance throughout the application process, including templates for partnership agreements and support with Pitch Power inspections. Additional partners will be available to assist colleges in developing sustainable community access plans.