We are delighted to announce that Lincoln City Football Club has been awarded a grant from the Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation to begin the first phase of a regeneration programme at LNER Stadium.
Work will begin in the coming weeks to install a brand-new all-weather community pitch adjacent to the stadium, meaning Lincoln City Foundation’s community activities – such as walking football, mental health football, girls’ development centres and disability football – plus many other community groups, will benefit from fresh investment into the facility.
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.
Robert Sullivan, Interim Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We know the huge benefits playing regular football can have on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. That’s why we’re committed to transforming the face of grassroots football facilities in this country. It’s therefore very welcome news to hear that this funding will support Lincoln City Football Club in developing further facilities including the new all-weather playing surface for their local community.
“Working with our partners – the Premier League, The FA, government and Sport England – we will be investing in over £1bn worth of local facilities across the country over the next decade. We believe we can transform lives and strengthen communities by unlocking the power of pitches and this is another project that brings us closer to that ultimate goal.”
The grant will also support the club’s future ambition to redevelop the Stacey West Stand, with plans to build new community and education facilities to enhance further the work of Lincoln City Foundation being central to that project. The club has worked closely with the Football Foundation and Lincolnshire FA to secure the award, and Liam Scully, CEO at Lincoln City FC was delighted that the works can now begin.
“The development of the community facilities at the LNER stadium hopefully demonstrate our commitment to matters on and off the field. The importance of having a strong community programme, in collaboration with Lincoln City Foundation, is invaluable to the city of Lincoln and even more so at these current times.” Liam said.
“These facilities will not only provide the Foundation with a new modern base but also opportunities to bring more people to the club outside of matchdays.
“The first phase of refurbishing the 3G will provide a focal point for the Club and Foundation to deliver its programmes and give participants high-quality facilities to be physical, socially and mentally active. We are looking forward to welcoming our existing and new participants where we can enhance our current offering as Lincoln City FC and Foundation.”
It is expected the new community pitch will be ready to open early in the new year.
