The Scottish Football Partnership Trust (SFP Trust) has launched a New Community Football Facilities Fund following a £1.5m donation from the philanthropist James Anderson. The donation represents the biggest investment the charity has ever received, and it could rise to as much as £1,875,000 on the successful processing of Gift-Aid. James Clydesdale, Chair of the SFP Trust said; “This is an incredibly generous donation and a tremendous vote of confidence in our work at grassroots level. James Anderson shares our philosophy and has been supporting some of our projects since 2020. This million plus investment is taking things to a whole new level.”
The fund will focus on facilities and club infrastructure and how these can support the long term sustainability of grassroots clubs and other charitable community football organisations as they seek to increase their impact for both communities and individuals. Stuart McCaffrey Chief Operating Officer added: “Our aim at the SFP Trust is always to promote inclusive participation in football at grassroots level with physical well-being and mental health being central to charitable aims and objectives. By investing in facilities, we can bolster hubs and homes for clubs enabling more people of all ages, regardless of their ability or social circumstances, to participate in a safe and modern environment. Whilst the Fund will primarily support football-based activities, we also hope it will help the development of other sports played at football club facilities.”
How the SFP Trust James Anderson Facility Fund will work
Grassroots clubs and other charitable community football organisations will be able to apply for grants under two programmes: Large and Small Infrastructure Projects.
Large infrastructure projects will see grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 for the development or refurbishment of club facilities such as: pavilions, clubhouses and changing rooms; grass playing and training pitches, including drainage and surface improvements; 3G artificial grass pitches (both training and match sizes); and fixed floodlights.
Small infrastructure grants up to £10,000 for facility improvements such as replacement of unsafe goalposts or additional goals; portable floodlights; storage containers; minor clubhouse/changing rooms improvements and refurbishments; grounds maintenance equipment; safety fencing.
*Clubs/Organisations are encouraged to discuss their projects with SFP Trust staff before making applications*
“It seems clearer to me that a flourishing grassroots football system is a major contribution to health, well-being and happiness.” James Anderson
