Gillian Keegan speaks after £93 million grassroots sports funding announced in Chichester

Secretary of State for Education and Chichester MP Gillian Keegan spoke after £93 million pounds of funding to grassroots sports was announced in Chichester.
By Henry Bryant
Published 6th Jan 2024, 08:00 GMT
Updated 27th Jan 2024, 08:51 GMT
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The announcement took place at Oaklands Park, home to the Chichester City FC’s new stadium. More than 1,100 multi-sport grassroots projects across the UK are set to benefit from this £93 million funding. It is said to be going towards new pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights.

Over £700,000 of funding will help Chichester City Youth FC (CCYFC) grow from having 18 teams to 26, and Chichester City FC and CCYFC will build on a strong women and girls offer by increasing teams from six to 10 within five years of completion.

MP for Chichester Gillian Keegan was in attendance and spoke about what was going on. She said: “What we've done today is we've officially opened this new pitch at the Chichester Football Club. It is a 3G astroturf pitch, which is state of the art and you can use it in all weathers. There’s also been a very exciting funding announcement for grassroots sports.”

Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom and Chichester Conservative MP Gillian Keegan.Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom and Chichester Conservative MP Gillian Keegan.
Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom and Chichester Conservative MP Gillian Keegan.
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    “It will allow many more clubs to it's really great facilities allow many, many more clubs to come here. I've spoken to several clubs who are increasing the time they spend here, or the number of teams are moving to use this fantastic facility as someone lucky enough to meet the Lionesses on several occasions. It is they have absolutely ignited women's football.

    "Here in Chichester, we've had a women's football team playing since the late 90s. We were probably one of the early football teams, but more and more and more girls are playing more young kids are playing as well. I see more and more girls’ teams play in very competitive football and as we all saw, doing well.”

    Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation said: “This year, the Football Foundation will provide more great places to play than ever before.

    “This 3G stadia pitch is just one of many sports facilities across the county that will have a transformative impact on physical and mental wellbeing, bringing people together and strengthening the local community here in Chichester from the roots up.