Amanda Martin MP has welcomed the continued support for grassroots sport in Portsmouth, as nearly 1,000 community projects across the UK benefit from the Labour Government’s investments in upgraded facilities.
New funding of £85 million for 2026/27 will open further opportunities for local clubs and communities to improve pitches, changing rooms, floodlighting, and multi-sport spaces.
- Previous Labour government investment means nearly 1,000 community projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are benefitting from new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities.
- The funding is improving accessibility and sustainability, through multi-sport, all-weather pitches, goalposts, floodlights and community hubs, with 50% of funding going to the 30% most deprived communities in the UK.
- The move supports the Labour government’s drive to break down barriers to opportunity, give families affordable ways to stay healthy, and deliver an NHS fit for the future.
- Applications are now open for £85 million of funding to be distributed in 2026/27 across the UK.
Amanda Martin MP has welcomed the continued support for grassroots sport in Portsmouth, as nearly 1,000 community projects across the UK benefit from the Labour Government’s investments in upgraded facilities. New funding of £85 million for 2026/27 will open further opportunities for local clubs and communities to improve pitches, changing rooms, floodlighting, and multi-sport spaces.
Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, clubs and community organisations are now seeing the impact of earlier Labour-backed investment, with new all-weather pitches, extended playing hours through floodlighting, and modern changing facilities designed to welcome under-represented groups, including women and girls.
In 2025/26, 991 projects have already been awarded funding, with further beneficiaries to be announced. These new or refurbished facilities are giving families low-cost, local opportunities to stay active, particularly important as households continue to face cost-of-living pressures. At least half of all funding has been directed to the 30% most deprived communities, ensuring investment reaches areas that need it most, a clear departure from over a decade of underfunding under Conservative governments, which left many local clubs and facilities struggling.
Clubs are benefiting from new goalposts, fencing, storage and upgraded changing pavilions, helping make sites safer, more accessible and more sustainable. To widen participation beyond football, at least 40% of funded projects are required to offer multi-sport provision, supporting activities such as rugby, cricket and basketball.
Alongside this, the Labour Government has today confirmed £85 million of further funding for grassroots sports facilities in 2026/27, as part of a £400 million long-term investment announced in June 2025. Applications are now open in England, with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow.
The announcement comes as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited East Kilbride United Community Sports Club, which received £310,000 between 2024 and 2026 for a new artificial pitch and changing pavilion. The upgraded site now hosts women’s and girls’ teams, school PE lessons, and a walking football programme supporting men’s mental health.
It follows the launch of the Labour government’s ‘Team Up’ campaign, which brings together sports stars, governing bodies and charities to tackle male loneliness and support men’s mental health through the power of sport.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “For too long, too many communities have had to make do with run-down pitches and crumbling changing rooms. This Labour government is committed to turning that around. With this investment we are backing the facilities that are needed to get people active, bring communities together, and nurture the next generation of sporting talent.”
Amanda Martin MP said: “Communities have waited far too long for decent places to play sport and come together. This funding is already making a real difference, upgrading pitches, improving changing rooms, and opening doors to people who were previously shut out.
“Our local clubs are at the heart of this. I’ve met so many local clubs in our city who every single day who are teaching children life lessons after school or support men’s mental health, giving women and girls safe spaces to get active and bringing neighbours together.
“By backing grassroots sport and committing to more investment, Labour is showing that where you live shouldn’t limit your opportunities. This is about health, pride, fairness, and giving our young people the spaces they need to thrive.”
Through new facilities and essential upgrades, the programme is delivering:
- New artificial grass pitches enabling year-round play
- Modern changing pavilions with appropriate facilities for women and girls
- Floodlighting to extend playing hours and improve accessibility
- New goalposts, fencing and storage to improve safety
- Priority access for women’s and girls’ teams
- Facilities supporting school PE, health initiatives and community outreach
The programme supports Labour’s Plan for Change, using grassroots sport to improve health outcomes, strengthen communities, tackle inequality and help deliver an NHS fit for the future.
