Lincoln City has secured funding that will allow it to redevelop a major stand and install a community pitch at its LNER Stadium.
The third-tier English Football League One 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 its arena.
It said work will begin in the coming weeks to install a brand-new all-weather community pitch adjacent to the stadium, which will be used by Lincoln City Foundation and other local groups. It is expected the new community pitch will be ready to open early in the new year.
The grant will also support the club’s future ambition to redevelop the Stacey West Stand, with community and education facilities being central to that project.
Liam Scully, chief executive at Lincoln City, said: “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.
“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.”
The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity and exists to encourage 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.”
Image: Lincoln City FC
