Tag: Department for Culture and Media

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 7 June 2023.

Local TV services are set to remain on the airwaves until 2034, subject to a review of each station’s future plans, under new proposals.

• Proposals to renew licences for the UK’s 34 local TV stations for ten more years
• Ofcom to review stations’ plans to ensure they can continue meeting local audiences’ needs
• Media industry and public invited to submit views in consultation published today

Local TV services are set to remain on the airwaves until 2034, subject to a review of each station’s future plans, under proposals set out today by the government.

The plans would allow the media regulator Ofcom to renew the licences of all 34 local TV services, subject to a review of each station’s plans to continue meeting the needs of local audiences, which are currently due to expire in 2025.

Launched in 2013, local TV services are accessible to 15 million people (normally occupying channel 7 or 8 on Freeview) and are required to show a number of hours of local programming each day.

Stations across the country include London Live, Sheffield Live, Cardiff TV and That’s TV. Many have established themselves as a trusted source for local news and distinctive shows focused on smaller geographic areas than national public service broadcasters.

While recognising the challenges they have faced, particularly during the pandemic, the government believes that local TV services continue to play a role in the wider broadcasting ecosystem. Many services – such as Notts TV in Nottingham and KMTV in Kent – also boost local journalism through training programmes provided in production, news reporting and technical roles, which enable students to gain hands-on experience.

In recognition that some outlets have struggled to generate stable revenue streams, maintain consistent audience numbers and sustainably fund genuinely local content, the government has published a consultation inviting views on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector to ensure it can continue to serve audiences and be sustainable in the long term.

Media Minister John Whittingdale said:

Local TV stations from Belfast to Birmingham help to support local journalism, drive the creative economy and foster pride in communities. We want to see this continue, so we’ve set out plans for Ofcom to review all services to ensure they’re well positioned to continue serving local audiences with trusted and distinctive content for years to come

Ofcom will review each station’s proposals for the decade ahead to ensure they can maintain their current service and continue making distinctive shows which meet the needs of the local area.

If Ofcom approves their plans, services will be allowed to continue broadcasting until 2034 and retain several benefits – including a prominent position in electronic TV guides. Should current providers choose not to renew their licence, or Ofcom decides not to approve a renewal, Ofcom will move to a competitive relicensing process.

Consultation and objectives

The government set out its proposed approach to the renewal process in a consultation published today, which invites views on the current objectives licence holders are assessed against by Ofcom.

These objectives include producing content that provides social and economic benefit to the community, caters to the taste and interests of those they serve and increases the amount of programming made in the area.

Participants will also be invited to submit responses on innovative suggestions relating to how local TV could be used to enhance local journalism and democracy across the UK.

The 12-week consultation will close on 30 August and is open to both industry and members of the public. Subject to the outcome of consultation, the government plans to move forward with the necessary secondary legislation later this year.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 June 2023.

Government has appointed Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling as independent advisers to work on the future stability of rugby union.

• RFL’s former CEO Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling of UK Sport appointed to work with the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby Limited on their plans for the future of professional rugby union.
• Independent advisers will support solutions on the financial, sporting and regulatory challenges facing rugby following the failures of Worcester, Wasps and uncertainty at London Irish.

Former RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer, and UK Sport Board Member Chris Pilling have been appointed by the government as independent advisers to support the RFU and PRL in their work on the future sustainability of rugby union.

Following the recent failures of several clubs and the wider challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, rugby union has a unique opportunity to reshape its future strategic financial and sporting direction.

The government supports the RFU and PRL’s work to stabilise professional rugby union including attracting new capital investment. It shares the concerns of fans about where the game goes next, and has appointed two independent advisers to work with the RFU and PRL on their plans to restructure the Professional Game Agreement.

The issues at Worcester, Wasps and London Irish have laid bare the challenges facing the sport of rugby union. The inability of rugby clubs to raise capital investment and the financial challenges at various levels within the game have contributed to the need for urgent work to help secure rugby union’s immediate future and advise on its future direction.

The appointment of Rimmer and Pilling as independent advisers will add to the work being undertaken by the RFU and PRL, and has been made with their full agreement. They will provide further independent support and scrutiny on their vision to lead the game to a sustainable future.

Ralph Rimmer delivered substantial financial and regulatory reforms during his time with the Rugby Football League, while Chris Pilling will bring extensive sports management and financial sector expertise to the role.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

This is a challenging time for rugby union and Ralph and Chris have agreed to utilise their experience to help the game develop a clear path for the future.

We have seen several high profile clubs and their fans left devastated in recent times and this additional independent advice will be of huge benefit to the RFU and PRL as they look to implement a new strategic direction for rugby.

Ralph Rimmer said:

I absolutely recognise the importance of this sporting pyramid to communities across the country.

I also understand from my own experiences in Rugby League the challenges and pressures which the sport currently faces and I’m confident that I can help all parties in creating not just a sustainable future but also an exciting one.

Chris Pilling said:

I am delighted to have been asked by the government to support the work of the RFU and the PRL to seek the best solutions to help secure a better, more sustainable long-term future for rugby union.

The independent advisers will begin work immediately to help provide solutions to the financial, sporting and regulatory challenges facing the game as it charts a more sustainable path for the future.

Bill Sweeney, CEO, Rugby Football Union said:

The RFU and PRL have been working collaboratively for some time on a joint strategy to stabilise and transform Rugby Union following the exceptional challenges created by COVID.

Government choosing to work with us on this process is an important and much appreciated development and we are delighted to welcome Ralph and Chris to support the work we are doing to re-shape the future of the professional game.

The restructuring of the Professional Game Agreement into a strategic partnership provides a great opportunity for all stakeholders to set aside self-interest and collaborate to reset and secure the future long-term sustainable growth of the professional game including developing the strongest possible second tier.

Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO, PRL said:

We welcome the Government acknowledging the role that they play in helping stabilise the future of the Premiership.

And we are looking forward to working with Ralph and Chris as we finalise our plans for the future of the professional game with our partners at The RFU, RPA and other key rugby stakeholders.

In the coming days we will also announce our newly-formed Sporting Commission. And former government adviser Sir Nigel Boardman has also commenced work on formulating new financial regulations, as part of our Financial Monitoring Panel, with the first elements planned to be in place for the start of the new season.

During the pandemic, the government stepped in to provide a financial lifeline to keep elite and grassroots rugby afloat, and as key stakeholder in the future of professional rugby union is taking action to further protect its investment on behalf of taxpayers.

Rimmer and Pilling will work closely with the RFU, PRL and private equity partners CVC over the coming months in an independent capacity, and report directly to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 2 June 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens as Acting Chair of the BBC Board from 27 June for twelve months, or until a new permanent Chair has been appointed, whichever is sooner.

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens is an experienced chair and non-executive director who has spent a career in broadcasting, the creative industries and academia. Dame Elan has been a member of the BBC’s governing body since 2010, first serving as Member for Wales on the BBC Trust, until its dissolution in 2017, and then as the Welsh member of the BBC Board. As a BBC Board member she has been the Chair of the Wales Committee and also served as Chair of the BBC’s commercial subsidiary from 2019 – 2022. She served for two terms as Chair of the Welsh-language broadcaster, S4C between 1998 – 2006 and subsequently served an additional term as non-executive director on S4C, representing the BBC Trust.

Dame Elan is currently the Pro Chancellor and Professor Emerita in Communications and Creative Industries at Aberystwyth University. She is the Electoral Commissioner for Wales and Member of the UK Electoral Commission Board. She is the Chair of the Wales Public Leaders’ Forum and Chair of the UNESCO International Prize for contribution to the creative economy. She has served on many cultural bodies including the British Film Institute (BFI) and the British Council. She still serves the BFI as a Non-Executive Director of the IMAX Cinema in Waterloo. She has been a member of the Wales Permanent Secretary’s Board where she was Chair of Corporate Governance. She has served as Vice Chairman of the Welsh Language Board and is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

Dame Elan has been a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Professor of the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University, where she is now the Pro-Chancellor. She was educated at Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, a comprehensive school in the quarry valleys of North Wales and won an open scholarship to Somerville College, Oxford.

Dame Elan is a native Welsh speaker and lives in Aberystwyth. She has two children.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

I am pleased that Dame Elan will take up the position of Acting Chair of the BBC and has the unanimous support of the Board. When she takes over, Dame Elan will provide stability in the leadership of the BBC while a process to appoint a new permanent Chair is run.

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens said:

It’s a huge honour to be appointed by the Secretary of State as Acting Chair and I am grateful to my fellow board members for putting their trust in me. As a board, we will champion the licence fee payer across all of the UK; ensure the BBC is a vital partner for the UK creative industries; maintain trust and drive change to make the BBC fit for a fast changing media landscape. There is much work to be done.

NOTES

Dame Elan will take over as Acting Chair of the BBC Board on 27 June, at which point the current Chair will step down. The appointment is being confirmed now to ensure that the transition can take place in an orderly fashion. This appointment process was run in accordance with the BBC Royal Charter and the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This role is remunerated at £160,000 per annum. The Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Dame Elan has not declared any activity.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 1 June 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed Rory Brooks CBE, Shrenik Davda, and Mark Simms for three year terms commencing 27 March 2023.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 30 May 2023.

New guide for academics and industry aims to boost understanding of video games to support UK’s world leading sector.

• New framework for researchers will encourage more analysis on video games and related technology
• Plans identify priority topics for research including the economic benefits of games, their role in education and potential impacts on player wellbeing
• Publication fulfils government commitment to develop better evidence following call for evidence on loot boxes in video games

A new guide to support research and build a better understanding of video games is published today.

Video games are played by more than half of British adults and the sector is one of the UK’s fast-growing creative industries, contributing £2.8 billion to the economy and employing 27,000 people in 2019.

To support the potential growth and development of the industry, further research is needed to fully understand players’ experiences, and the impacts of games on individuals, communities and the economy more widely.

Last week at the Enders Conference, the Culture Secretary spoke about her desire to maximise potential within the creative industries – of which video games are a key part – with an ambition to grow the sector by an extra £50 billion by 2030; help create a million extra jobs in the sector by 2030; and deliver a Creative Careers Promise that builds a pipeline of talent into our creative industries.

The Video Games Research Framework, developed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in collaboration with academia, research councils and the games industry, aims to support researchers to build a stronger evidence base for future policymaking.

Minister for the Creative Industries, John Whittingdale, said:

Video games are a booming industry – employing thousands of people and contributing billions to our economy, whilst bringing enjoyment to people in fun and challenging ways.

Today’s plans will encourage more research and study in this area so we can better support the opportunities of this highly innovative sector while also protecting players.

Professor Tom Rodden, DCMS’ Chief Scientific Advisor, said:

DCMS supports some of the most exciting sectors in the UK and it is my priority to ensure that policymaking in the department is underpinned by the best possible science, research and evidence to drive growth and enrich lives.

The Video Games Research Framework aims to facilitate high-quality research in the field of video games – promoting inclusive, transparent and independent practice.

I am excited to see how adoption of the framework shapes new research and benefits not just policymakers in government, but the games industry and everyone who chooses to make video games a part of their lives.

The guide sets out a number of priority areas in need of stronger evidence to help academics and industry focus research projects. Priorities recommended by the framework include why people interact with games, their impact on physical and mental health and the effect of in-game features like spending and advertising on players’ experiences. The framework also suggests wider areas of focus, such as the economic potential of the industry and the role of video games in education.

The framework brings together guidance and examples of recommended research practices, including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) principles on research integrity, knowledge sharing and managing conflicts of interest.

The document also provides advice and information on data sharing, as academics identified access to industry and player data as a barrier to enabling better research. It outlines researchers’ legal obligations under UK data protection laws and directs users to guidance from expert bodies such as the Information Commissioner’s Office and UKRI on how data should be collected and handled during studies.

Publishing the framework delivers on the Government’s commitment to support better evidence on the impact of video games after the call for evidence on loot boxes in video games found that research in this area is still emerging.

Dan Wood, Ukie Chief Strategy Officer and co-acting CEO, said:

The establishment of a new Video Games Research Framework will provide objective, robust evidence, strengthening our understanding of the impact of video games across society. As a sector, we will never stand still on this issue and will continue to work collaboratively with government, academia, and industry partners, within the principles of the Video Games Framework to ensure any future change is driven through strong evidence.

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said:

The Video Games Research Framework should be a valuable tool for conducting research in the video games sector. TIGA is pleased to see this framework in place and looks forward to seeing it used as a guide for advancing understanding in this dynamic and world-leading industry.

Professor Peter Etchells, Professor of Psychology and Science Communication, Bath Spa University, said:

The new Video Games Research Framework provides a much-needed set of standards to advance the scientific study of games in an ethical, progressive and robust manner. My hope is that this will allow us to leverage the power of player data, in order to answer meaningful questions about how games can impact health and behaviour.

Professor Andrew Przybylski, Professor of Human Behaviour and Technology, Oxford Internet Institute, said:

The framework provides an actionable blueprint for industry and independent scientists to work collaboratively to harness the power of human play to understand how we shape and are shaped by games.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 26 May 2023.

Export bar placed on Tipu Sultan of Mysore’s Flintlock Sporting Gun to allow time for a UK institution or buyer to acquire it.

• The elaborately decorated gun was made in India for the Sultan between 1793 and 1794
• The decision to place an export bar follows the independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest

An 18th-century gun made for the Sultan of Mysore and valued at £2 million has had its export barred to allow time for a buyer to come forward to keep it in the UK for public study and education.

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay has placed an export bar on Tipu Sultan of Mysore’s Flintlock Sporting Gun in the hope that it can be put on public display here in the UK.

The Minister’s decision follows the independent advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

The elaborately decorated gun was made for the Sultan of Mysore and is dated between 1793 and 1794. The fourteen-bore gun was designed for shooting game and is signed by its maker, Asad Khan Muhammed.

Known as the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan was a defiant opponent of the British East India Company and its allies during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. He was killed on 4 May 1799 while defending his stronghold of Seringapatam (Srirangapatna).

Following his death, his distinctive personal weapons were given to leading military figures. This firearm was presented to General the Earl Cornwallis, who had previously fought Tipu between 1790 and 1792.

The expert committee found the gun to be of aesthetic importance as well as significant to the study of Tipu Sultan and his court, to Lord Cornwallis, to British history, and to the conclusion of the third Anglo-Mysorean war.

Its assessment was based on the ‘Waverley Criteria’, established in 1952 to decide on works of art and cultural objects which deserve efforts to keep them in the country. At a speech to mark the 70th anniversary of the criteria last year, Lord Parkinson noted the important role they had played in preserving cultural heritage and sharing it with a wide public audience, and took the opportunity to invite thoughts on how they should continue to operate. He asked, for instance, “are we considering items’ connection to the history of other countries, or whether they are destined for public display rather than private collection?” His full speech can be found on gov.uk

Committee Member Christopher Rowell said:

This is the finest and most elaborately decorated of the personal firearms made for Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, a large state in South India. Dated 1793–4, this fourteen-bore gun was designed for shooting game and is signed by Asad Khan Muhammad. It is extremely beautiful as well as technically advanced.

The mechanism allows two shots to be fired from the single barrel without reloading, revealing the probable influence of itinerant French gunmakers. Tipu’s court was sophisticated and its workshops produced a variety of fine metalwork including weaponry and ordnance, which was stylish as well as deadly.

Tipu was fascinated by Western technical innovations, including rocketry, but his leanings towards France antagonised Britain, which waged four wars against Mysore. In 1799, he was killed as the British army overran his capital, Srirangapatna [Seringapatam]. Among the victorious officers was Colonel Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington and hero of Waterloo.

This superbly executed sporting gun was presented to General Earl Cornwallis, victor of the previous war against Tipu in 1790-2, which had forced the Sultan to cede half his territory.

Tipu was known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ and his personal emblems are ubiquitous, from the tiger with brass-inlaid eyes carved into the hardwood stock to the stylised tiger stripes inlaid in silver along the blued steel barrel. One of the silver mounts depicts a tiger attacking European soldiers, an image redolent of ‘Tipu’s Tiger’ in the V&A.

Given its aesthetic significance, its impeccable provenance, its scope for further research and its relevance to both British and Indian history, I hope that this superb fowling piece made for the unfortunate ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, will be acquired by a British Institution where it can be appreciated by all.

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

This visually striking firearm is a significant antiquity in its own right, as well as an illustration of the important, interconnected history between Britain and India.

I hope that it can be shared with the widest possible public and used to deepen our understanding of a fraught period which shaped both our nations.

The decision on the export licence application for the gun will be deferred for a period ending on 25 September 2023 (inclusive). At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the gun at the recommended price of £2 million.The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for four months.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 26 May 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed Martin Esom, Alex Lacey, Bradley Pritchard and Jonathan Sellins for terms of three years commencing on 14 March 2023.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 20 May 2023.

The UK Government funding is part of ongoing investment in multi-sport facilities throughout Wales in collaboration with the Cymru Football Foundation.

People playing grassroots sports in Wales will directly benefit from the latest £1.2 million investment in high quality multi-sport facilities from the UK Government, in partnership with the Cymru Football Foundation and the Football Association of Wales.

As part of the Government’s 2022/23 commitment, more grassroots participants in Wales will see their facilities improved, increasing the availability and access to high quality facilities for football, hockey and other grassroots sports. Forty three sites have been selected for funding across Wales as part of the 2022/23 funding allocation.

A key priority for the Government is to level up access to community sports facilities in all parts of the UK, to help as many people as possible to get involved in sport and to deliver all of the mental and physical health benefits associated with active and healthy lifestyles.

The latest investment is part of the Government’s ongoing £300 million multi-year investment into grassroots multi-sport pitches across the UK by 2025 – more than £13m of this will be invested in Wales.

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 43 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across Wales to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport – so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location.

We will continue to work with the Football Association Wales to nurture the talent of the future whilst making sure local communities have the sporting facilities that they need.

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. In order to achieve this, and to deliver access that every community needs, at least 50% of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas.

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

The UK Government is continuing to invest significantly in grassroots facilities, helping clubs and groups to deliver the huge health and social benefits that sport brings.

I am delighted that this funding is being distributed to communities across the length and breadth of Wales, allowing future generations of sportspeople to develop their skills. Working with the Football Association of Wales and others, we want to make sure the fantastic success that Welsh sport has recently enjoyed continues for many years to come.

Some of the facilities to benefit from the 2022/23 round of investment in Wales include:

• Darran Park in Ferndale has received more than £170,000 to upgrade their 3G pitch;
• Essity Stadium in Flint has received more than £40,000 for floodlights;
• Tredegar Recreational Sports Ground in Park Hill has received more than £18,000 for floodlights, storage, goalposts and shelter;
• Underhill Park in Mumbles, Swansea has received £190,000 for a new artificial grass pitch;
• Evans Bevans Playing Fields in Port Talbot has received more than £27,000 for grass pitch upgrades.

A full list of the facilities to benefit from 2022/23 investment in Wales can be found here.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among under-represented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability.

Noel Mooney, Chief Executive Officer, the Football Association of Wales said:

At the Football Association of Wales, we are focussed on driving up the standard of grassroots football facilities across Cymru and to supporting football clubs to be community hubs bringing social, health and economic benefits to the areas they serve.  The investment in new facilities through the Cymru Football Foundation, which has been made possible through the funding from DCMS, is a prime example of this work.

The UK Government, in partnership with the Cymru Football Foundation and Football Association Wales, continues to build on its £1.3 million investment in 2021/22, with a further £1.2 million confirmed today and a total of 60 sites in Wales having benefitted to date.

Throughout the lifecycle of the grassroots multi-sport facilities investment programme which will run to 2025, Wales will receive more than £13 million in total to help nurture the talent of the future.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 May 2023.

23 projects receive a share of £2 million as part of the UK Government’s ongoing investment in multi-sport facilities in collaboration with the Scottish Football Association

• UK Government reaffirms commitment to improving access to high quality facilities and increasing participation in grassroots sports in Scotland
• Ongoing UK-wide £300 million capital investment continues to build capacity in underserved areas and provide for underrepresented groups

Grassroots sports facilities in Scotland will directly benefit from the latest £2 million investment in high quality multi-sport facilities from the UK Government, in partnership with the Scottish Football Association.

As part of the Government’s 2022/23 commitment, 23 sites in Scotland will see their facilities improved, significantly increasing the availability and access to high quality facilities for football and other grassroots sports.

A key priority for the Government is to level up access to community sports facilities in all parts of the UK, to help as many people as possible to get involved in sport and to deliver all of the mental and physical health benefits associated with active and healthy lifestyles.

The latest investment is part of the Government’s ongoing £300 million multi-year investment into grassroots multi-sport pitches across the UK by 2025 – over £20m of this will be invested in Scotland.

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 23 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across Scotland to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport – so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location.

“We will continue to work with the Scottish Football Association to nurture the talent of the future whilst making sure local communities have the sporting facilities that they need.”

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. In order to achieve this, and to deliver access that every community needs, at least 50% of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas.

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said:

“We have seen some fantastic results in recent years from Scotland’s men’s and women’s football teams and we know much of this is a result of the hardwork and dedication put in by those working in grassroots football. I am pleased the UK Government is working closely with the SFA and providing funding for high quality facilities in Scotland.

“With much of the funding aimed at multi-sport facilities, deprived areas and underrepresented groups this investment will benefit many people across the country.”

Some of the facilities to benefit from the 2022/23 round of investment in Scotland include:

• Forfar Community Football Trust in Angus has received £126,000 to convert their floodlights to LED
• Dundee East Community Sports Club in Dundee has received over £58,000 to install floodlights and solar panels
• Inverness Caledonian Thistle Community Development in Inverness has received over £157,000 for a grass pitch upgrade
• Motherwell FC Community Trust in Lanarkshire has received over £180,000 for a replacement 3G pitch
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in Lewis and Harris has received nearly £200,000 for a replacement 3G pitch
• Nethercraigs Sports Complex & Denis Donnelly Park in Glasgow has received nearly £60,000 for new floodlights

A full list of the facilities to benefit from 2022/23 investment in Scotland can be found here.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability.

Scottish FA Vice President Mike Mulraney, said:

“The Scottish FA’s grassroots strategy, Football for All, aims to increase participation at all levels by removing barriers and improving accessibility to the game.

“Helping clubs to improve their infrastructure and facilities is central to this strategy and we are grateful to the UK Government for their support.

“Clubs are the beating hearts of communities across Scotland and through partnerships like these, we will help reinforce the power of football locally and in doing so develop our national game.”

The UK Government, in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, continues to build on its £2 million for 2021/22, with a further £2 million confirmed today, and 40 sites in Scotland having benefitted to date.

Through the lifecycle of the grassroots multi-sport facilities investment programme which will run to 2025, Scotland will receive £20 million to help nurture the talent of the future.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 May 2023.

The Government is working alongside its Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA to invest £64 million in thousands of grassroots sports facilities to get more people playing sport on quality pitches.

• More than 1,600 new and improved multi-sports grassroot facilities across England are benefiting from Government support
• The ‘Ella Toone Pitch’ at William Fosters Hub in Wigan is latest site to mark Lionesses class of EURO 2022
• Ongoing UK-wide £300 million capital investment in grassroots facilities continues to improve access for thousands and nurture tomorrow’s sports talent

EUROs-winning Lioness Ella Toone has unveiled a football pitch named in her honour, as the Government and its Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA confirm investment in thousands of grassroots sports facilities to get more people playing sport on quality pitches.

Toone, a goal scorer for the victorious England team at the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022, unveiled a 3G pitch as part of a £6.3 million redevelopment of the William Fosters Hub facility in Wigan that will open to the public later this summer.

Across England, the Government is investing £64 million, working alongside its Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA, to build and upgrade 1,600 grassroots sports sites this year to level up access to high quality sports facilities.

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 1,600 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across the country to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport – so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location.

We are continuing to celebrate the success of the Lionesses – with the ‘Ella Toone Pitch’ enabling the generation of women and girls inspired by them to get active and involved.

The funding will deliver upgrades, improvements and new pitches – making more high quality facilities available for people to play football, hockey and other grassroots sports. Projects support a range of facility types –  from the creation or upgrade of changing rooms, grass pitches and 3G football turf pitches and pavilions, to floodlights, fencing and improved disabled access.

Facilities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will benefit from £3.8 million being invested by the Government in partnership with the FAs in each home nation.

The Ella Toone Pitch is the second of 23 Football Foundation-funded pitches that will be named after each of the Lionesses to honour their UEFA Women’s EUROs victory last summer and inspire the next generation of women and girls to get involved in the beautiful game.

Ella Toone, Lioness forward, said:

It feels just like yesterday that I was a kid kicking a ball around just a few miles from here but already so much has changed in the women’s game. It’s so exciting to see more and more women and girls wanting to play football and the amazing new facilities here will allow them to do just that.

As a Lioness I feel a responsibility to be a role model for the next generation and it’s such an honour to do that with a pitch named after me in my hometown. I’m so grateful to the Football Foundation for the opportunity to inspire local girls to fall in love with the game just like I did.

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. To achieve this, and to deliver the access to facilities that every community deserves, at least 50% per cent of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas.

This site is one of over 2,200 across the UK to have benefited so far from the Government’s four-year £300 million capital investment into grassroots multi-sports facilities. Between 2021 and 2025, £261 million of Government funding will be delivered in England, alongside  funding from Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA.

Some of the facilities to benefit from this year’s round of investment in England include:

• Bottesford Town FC in Lincolnshire has received over £950,000 for new 3G pitches;
• AFC North Kilworth in Harborough has received almost £100,000 for a new pavilion;
• Manchester Maccabi Community & Sports Club in Bury has received almost £125,000 for a new grass pitch;
• St Peters Playing Field in North Tyneside has received more than £1.8 million for new 3G pitches, changing rooms and a county football association headquarters;
• Roach Dynamos FC in Rochdale has received more than £530,000 for a new pavillion;
• The Groundwork South Trust Limited in Cornwall has received more than £125,000 for a new grass pitch and floodlights;
• South Park Sport Association in Reigate has received almost £450,000 for a new 3G pitch;
• Mersham Sports Club in Ashford has received almost £470,000 for new grass pitches.

See the list of facilities to benefit in England.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability.

Robert Sullivan, CEO, Football Foundation said:

Ella and the Lionesses are a great showcase of how important quality grassroots facilities are for the women’s game. Many of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 squad, including Ella, started their pathway to stardom on facilities funded by the Football Foundation. It’s vital the next generation has access to great places to play.

Thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is directing more money than ever into supporting the grassroots game. Every one of the facilities we fund will provide equal access for women and girls. That means providing safe, accessible and inclusive environments for women and girls from their journey to the site right up to their first step onto the pitch.