Lands cape & Am e ni t y
May 2021 Getting set for summer
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Consultation on future of Football Stadia Improvement Fund across the country on ways in which the process for applying for funding could be made easier in the future, what the future priorities for the fund should be and how the FSIF aligns with the current FA Ground-Grading process.
Clubs and stakeholders from across the National League System and the Women’s Football Pyramid have been invited to provide their views on the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF), as
the grant-giving body begins a strategic review of its funding priorities and criteria. The review of the Premier League-financed FSIF, is seeking insight from clubs
The FA has also used the FSIF consultation to seek views from non-league clubs to inform a separate review of GroundGrading requirements. It is proposed that any changes to the FSIF as a result of the review would be implemented ahead of the 2022/23 season. Since it was established in 2000, the FSIF has offered more than 2,400 grants worth more than £149m to clubs across the country to allow them to improve their stadiums’
safety and meet the GroundGrading criteria. Over the last 12 months, the FSIF has reacted to the needs of clubs offering a number of grants to support their ongoing sustainability during the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 1,090 clubs across 65 leagues have benefited from Premier League funding through the Matchday Support Fund, which has distributed more than £5.5 million to allow clubs to put measures in place to make grounds safer.
after a very difficult period for the game, now is the time to reflect and determine how the money available will support clubs and have maximum impact. “This is the first review of the Fund that we have carried out for a number of years and it provides an opportunity for clubs to tell us what they really need to improve their stadiums and facilities,” he continued.
Historically grants have been offered to support capital projects such as new covered seating, changing rooms and pitch maintenance equipment.
“We want to evolve the FSIF to ensure it remains a fit-forpurpose, efficient solution to help clubs meet their GroundGrading requirements, by targeting funding to where it is most needed.”
Dean Potter, Director of Grant Management at the FSIF said
Football Foundation Enquiry 31
Grass Cutting Machinery The latest machinery and launches Pages 16-20
Switch to Redexim proves a win-win Bonnyton Thistle Football Club now have complete flexibility and control over the maintenance of their full-size synthetic pitch thanks to the recent purchase of a Verti-Groom EV and Dragmat from Redexim. Having previously hired in subcontractors, the switch to an in-house programme has not only saved the club money but has improved the condition of the playing surface.
“The results we were getting with our contactors was not up to the standard we were looking for, so Sports Labs pointed us in the direction of Ian Lauder at Redexim” explains Ian, who has been involved with the club in various capacities since 1978. “We decided on a Dragmat which we’re using for the regular brushing three times a week, and a VertiGroom EV to conduct a deeper, more thorough brush once a week.”
The Redexim Verti-Groom EV features a combination of tines and brushes to decompact, redistribute and level the infill.
Brushcutters
Its 2.0m working width means surfaces can be covered quickly, with the working depth of up to 5.5mm easily adjustable to suit conditions.
The best ways to tackle the tough stuff Pages 21-23
Charterhouse Turf Machinery Enquiry 32
The battery-powered E-Series range helps turf professionals meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, minimising carbon footprint, emissions and running costs. ES-860 Cassette
ES-36 Dedicated ES-34R Rotary
For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.dennisuk.com PROUDLY BRITISH
READER ENQUIRY 33