Football clubs across Kent could benefit from a £9.56m ‘pitch preparation fund’.

Grants of up to £5,000 will be available through the Football Foundation for eligible clubs to support the maintenance of their natural grass and artificial pitches.

The Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation is the largest sports charity in the UK.

The fund is to provide financial support to those struggling to maintain their football pitches across the country.

Now is the time of year where ground staff would normally be giving their pitches a makeover to ensure they are in top condition for a new season.

Clubs in Kent have been maintaining their pitches as best they can throughout the current crisis.

It is estimated that the scheme will benefit up to 4,000 grassroots clubs and organisation. It’s open to football clubs and voluntary organisations playing between steps one and six in the FA National League system that maintain their own natural grass pitches and have at least 12 months’ security of tenure.

Those with suitable tenure for a 3G artificial grass pitch are also eligible to apply.

The funding will help eligible clubs with essential maintenance works which could include vertical decompaction, slitting, over seeding, fertilising and weedkilling, as well as routine preparatory works such as grass cutting and the setting out and line marking of pitches. For artificial surfaces, eligible works could include deep cleaning, overmarking and FA pitch testing.

Robert Sullivan, Football Foundation Interim Chief Executive, said: “This fund reflects the determination of the Premier League, The FA and government to work together to make funding available to help get pitches match-ready for when restrictions are lifted.

“The Football Foundation will work with eligible clubs and community organisations across the country to ensure they get what they need.”

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “These are unprecedented times, not only within football but for society as a whole, and our thoughts are with all those who have been directly affected by COVID-19.

“On top of our existing financial commitment to football facilities, this funding will ensure vital work can be conducted on pitches across the country to help clubs prepare for when it is safe for the game to resume.”

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We’re doing all we can to help the sport sector through this difficult time and that includes grassroots football that has such a positive impact on millions of people's lives.

“This funding from the government, the Premier League and The FA will help clubs upgrade their facilities so they are ready to go as soon as it’s safe to start playing again.”

Clubs that have already applied to the Sport England Community Emergency Fund for funding for pitch maintenance works or have recently received an ‘Enhanced Grass Pitch Maintenance Grant’ from the Football Foundation will be ineligible to apply

Educational establishments, local authorities, parish councils and leisure trusts with turnover of over 500k are also ineligible for the scheme.

Read more sports news from Kent