Two grass football pitch sites in Oxford are set to be transformed, courtesy of an injection of funding delivered by the Football Foundation’s Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.

The fund provides eligible clubs and organisations with a tapered six-year grant to either help sustain pitches categorised as being at a ‘good’ level, or support the enhancement of grass playing surfaces considered at ‘poor’ or ‘basic’ level.

Working in partnership with Oxfordshire FA and Oxford City Council, Quarry Rovers have secured grants to enhance seven grass pitches at Quarry and Barton Bradley recreation grounds in Oxford. The Football Foundation has awarded £66,560 as a grant to the project, which delivers 67% of the funding towards the total £99,840 cost with the club contributing the rest.

The Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund forms a key part of The FA’s mission to transform the quality of grass pitches across the country, with Oxfordshire FA supporting eligible clubs and organisations at a local level. This project will start immediately in bringing the funded pitches up to a minimum of The FA’s ‘good’ standard and enable the club to maintain this for the project’s 10-year lifecycle. 

As well as the local community, Quarry Rovers, established in 1952, will benefit hugely from the project, utilising both sites in Headington for training and matches. The community grassroots club, which is run entirely by volunteers, has 16 boys and girls’ teams, with players ranging from Under-7s to Under-18s.

Mark Lygo, Chair of Quarry Rovers, said: “This is an amazing community initiative, which will transform the playing experience of the young people of Headington.”

Rob Sved, Secretary of Quarry Rovers, added: “This is great news for the club, and we’d like to thank the Football Foundation for supporting our young footballers, and those of the future, as well as Oxfordshire FA for their support during the process.”

Cathy Oliveira, Vice Chair of Quarry Rovers, said: “We are pleased to be able to respond to our players’ comments about wanting better pitches.”

Cllr. Chewe Munkonge, Deputy Leader for Leisure & Parks for Oxford City Council, said: “I would like to thank the Quarry Rovers’ Committee for their dedication and collaboration, which has been vital for enabling the effective partnership working that has driven this project forwards. We’re committed to building on this momentum to explore further opportunities for positive initiatives and enhancing community facilities together.”

Andy Earnshaw, Business and Facility Development Manager at Oxfordshire FA, added: "This partnership is a first for the city as the club, council and ourselves work together to enhance the quality of grass pitches in Headington. We are delighted for the club and look forward to working with them and Oxford City Council in implementing the programme."

For more information on the Football Foundation’s Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund, please click here