Last week we celebrated Grounds Management Association (GMA) #GroundsWeek across our social media.

Here is a roundup of these fantastic stories:

Lydiate Parish Council

The first Parish Council across our Local Authorities to obtain Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund via the Football Foundation grant!

Sandy Lane Playing Fields in Lydiate are under Lydiate Parish Council’s remit to which they have two 11v11 football pitches, where they are now receiving an ‘enhanced’ maintenance grant. New to the scheme, both us here at Liverpool FA and the Parish Council are excited to see how the pitches will improve with the recommended maintenance operations for the upcoming season. We have gained a great relationship with Carol, Clerk to the Parish Council, Groundsmen Paul and Chris, and the Councillors to which we will continue to work together to seek further funding streams for their site.

FC Kirkby

FC Kirkby have secured a whopping amount of £64,000 worth of Football Foundation funding to enhance their five 11v11 grass pitches at Eddie McArdle Playing Field.

Joint Club Chairmen Steven and Lewis expressed their gratitude towards the GPMF: "The pitch transformations so far have been incredible, we didn’t realise at first the costs involved to maintain a grass pitch," they said.

"We take massive pride in our pitches so we can ensure they’re playable every week."

FC Kirkby are able to undergo routine maintenance on their pitches as they were awarded a tractor, amongst other items such as goal posts and floodlights for their site via the Small Grants scheme. FC Kirkby are an excellent example of a ‘club led facility’ with their own pavilion to accompany their pitches.

Facilities and Investment Manager, Amy Horne said: "The work the lads put in behind the scenes daily at FC Kirkby does not go unnoticed, they are an absolute credit to the club and the local community with what they are continuing to offer at their site! It’s exciting times for the club as more FF grants become available to see what we can incorporate to continue their site development."

Rainhill United FC

Rainhill United FC have secured a whopping £58,880 for Grass Pitch Maintenance.

The club who have a great relationship with Rainhill Parish Council, are set for contractor work for Albert Fellows Playing Fields in Rainhill to enhance the pitches for their club in align with recommendations from the GMA in their PitchPower report. The club is hugely appreciative of the grant from the Football Foundation, and the support from Liverpool FA, GMA, and the Parish Council.

The grant awarded means the club can start essential works to improve the pitch quality which will allow our clubs to play more often at Albert Fellowes Park on an improved playing surface.

How can my club get support?

Is your club eligible for Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund? Head to our Facilities and Investment section to find out how you can get support.