Connor Naismith MP has welcomed the continued support for grassroots sport in Crewe and Nantwich, as nearly 1,000 UK community projects 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. 

Since the start of 2025, 991 projects have 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.  

The Barony Park Sports Complex in Nantwich (Photo: Ryan Parker).

At least half of all funding has been directed to the 30 per cent most deprived communities, ensuring investment reaches areas that need it most.

Clubs are benefiting from new goalposts, fencing, storage and upgraded changing pavilions, helping make sites safer, more accessible and more sustainable.

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To widen participation beyond football, at least 40 per cent of funded projects are required to offer multi-sport provision, supporting activities such as rugby, cricket and basketball.

Alongside this, the Labour Government hasconfirmed £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.

Lisa Nandy MP, 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." 

This follows the launch of the Labour government's 'Team Up' campaign, bringing together sports stars, governing bodies and charities to tackle male loneliness and support men's mental health through the power of sport. 

Connor Naismith MP said: "Grassroots sports support our communities far beyond the physical and health benefits to participants.

"They give young people key skills like teambuilding and discipline alongside a place to go outside of school hours. They help to build a sense of belonging between people who might not have otherwise crossed paths.  

"I hope our local teams make the most of this increased funding and my door is always open to help those interested in applying." 

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