Thanks to a grant of £26,359.80 from the Football Foundation, Chesterton AFC have this week received new industry standard pitch maintenance equipment to help improve their 3.2-acre site. 

The funding received from the Football Foundation contributed 75% of the total project cost with Chesterton AFC securing a further 25% funding from Club sponsors Ibstock.

 Pictured: Chesterton AFC Chairman, John McDonald is presented with an £8000 cheque from club sponsors Ibstock

Supported by the county’s partners Campey’s Turf Care, Chesterton AFC invested in a new Holland 35 tractor and Trimax 2.1 mower which will support the club with their objective of improving the grass pitches at Red Street Community Centre.

AFC’s Red Street site is a two-pitch venue that hosts senior and junior, male and a newly developed female pathway.

John Mcdonald, Chesterton AFC Chairman said: “Being the beneficiary of the grant from the Football Foundation allowed us to buy the equipment which will help us to maintain our site to a very high standard. 

“It will also mean that our volunteers who spend some of their spare time at the ground will ultimately not have to spend as long and more importantly not be quite as physical in the chores we perform. 

“The boost to the morale is amazing, we have managed to attract a couple of extra hands who will be helping with grass cutting duties now that we have the industry equipment. We can't thank Staffordshire FA enough for their help and support with this project.  

Staffordshire FA Football Facilities Officer, Viki Dicesare said: “We are delighted that Chesterton AFC have embraced the support available to them via the Football Foundation Grass Pitch Machinery and Equipment Fund. In doing so they will significantly reduce volunteers time spent maintaining the site but also become more sustainable in the future by reducing the costs spent on external contractors. 

“We are also very grateful to Campey’s for providing access to high quality machinery and equipment as well as excellent advice and guidance to clubs/organisations across Staffordshire.”

For more information on how you could receive support towards getting your pitch match fit, please click the link here.