THE Haverhill Community Sports Association have secured football funding of more than £55,000 since lockdown began.

The HCSA runs The New Croft, which is home to both Haverhill Rovers FC and Haverhill Borough FC.

The site, like all other sports facilities, has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but has worked hard to secure funding from different pots to sustain its long-term future.

HCSA facilities and football development manager Peter Betts said they had been awarded a number of grants that have supported the site including four football specific grants.

These have been the Sport England Community Emergency Fund as well as Football Foundation grants for grass pitch revenue funding towards their five Youth grass pitches, grass pitch maintenance equipment and new 9v9 goal posts. A game on eone of the Youth pitches is pictured above.

In addition, both Haverhill Rovers FC and Haverhill Borough have secured various grants to support them including a £3,000 Grow the Game grant from the Football Foundation for Haverhill Rovers FC.

HCSA are also waiting to hear if they have been successful with a £2,500 pitch preparation fund grant and an application for £21,000 to the Football Stadium Improvement Fund for a new irrigation system both from the Football Foundation.

Betts said that the HCSA had also obtained non-football grants to support the site which had been a ‘massive help’ and these will certainly support the chances of the longer-term sustainability of the site.

Betts said: “The application processes are not as difficult and challenging as some people may think, especially with the support network that is available through Suffolk FA.

“Yes, there are forms to fill out and processes to follow through with the Football Foundation, but the support available is huge and whilst it may not always support short-term cash flow immediately it certainly helps support your sustainability long term.”

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said: “In the current climate, it’s never been more important for football organisations to feel confident to apply and successfully access financial support towards the sustainment and development of their facilities. 

“Haverhill Community Sports Association have demonstrated through the breadth of success they have had that it’s possible to access funding towards various aspects of developing the facilities for their users.

“A huge congratulations to the association for their funding awards which will no doubt have a really positive impact on the experience of their members and other football partners who utilise their fantastic facilities.”

For further information about funding opportunities that are available, please contact Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard on 01449 616606 or 07432 735961 or via email jodie.allard@suffolkfa.com