Funding boost for Burrow’s Field improvement project

The Football Foundation channels money from the Premier League, the government and the FA into grassroots sport. This brings the total funding for the improvement scheme to £886,572.

The work forms part of a project the council is working on with Leckhampton Rovers Football Club (LRFC) - who has made Burrow’s Field their home ground – to improve playing surfaces and refurbish the existing pavilion.

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for culture, wellbeing and business, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce this funding from the Football Foundation which will make a huge difference to the project and our local sports community.

“These improvements that are now underway will ensure that Burrow’s Field provides fantastic sporting facilities for many years to come for the whole community. The space will enable everyone to enjoy outdoor activity which is good for physical and mental wellbeing.”

Enzo Scognamiglio, club chairman of Leckhampton Rovers Football Club, continued: The work that we have undertaken to raise funds from many kind supporters has enabled us to leverage significant funding from the Football Foundation for this project. 

“The financial support we have received from Tewkesbury Borough Council, Leckhampton and Warden Hill Parish Council, The Enovert Community Trust, Gloucestershire County Council, officer and member support from Cheltenham Borough Council, and a very generous individual has been amazing. This will transform the club.”

Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This grant award is great news for the local community.

“It will support people’s ability to play our national game locally and therefore help unlock football’s many benefits to physical and mental wellbeing. 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 LRFC and the council in developing Burrow's Field for their local community.

“The Football Foundation is working closely with our support facility development projects like this across the country over the next decade to transform our grassroots game and unlock the power of pitches.”

Matthew Boucher, football development manager at Gloucestershire FA, said: “We are delighted that LRFC and Cheltenham Borough Council have been able to secure a Football Foundation grant to help improve the pitches at Burrow’s Field. We have been working closely with the club and borough council over the past couple of years and are excited about the positive impact that the project will have on the club, its many hundred members, the wider community and football participation in the area.”

Cllr Iain Dobie, borough and former county councillor, continued: “I’m really pleased that the county council are funding the extension of the path round the field and I’m proud to be working with LRFC and Cheltenham Borough Council to make improvements to Burrow’s Field for the benefit of our residents.”

To find out more about the project - including frequently asked questions, please visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/burrows-improvements.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264321, email [email protected]

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