FOOTBALL pitches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been chosen for improvements under a new pilot initiative.

The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation has announced BCP Council is among a number of local authorities selected as part of its new grass pitch pilot programme.

The pilot initiative aims to support the improvement of grass pitches across the conurbation over the next ten years.

The council were selected following a successful Expression of Interest process in partnership with Dorset County Football Association, which involved ground soil sample testing on 57 grass pitches across 15 sites.

After submitting the reports data, the council will hear back towards the end of July on how much funding will be allocated towards its pitch maintenance and renovation programme as well as equipment across all the BCP areas pitches.

The Football Foundation will work with the council and other local partners to devise a delivery plan and explore funding opportunities to improve the well-used pitches.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, portfolio holder for tourism and active health, said: “This has been a great project to be part of with a clear vision for future pitch improvements, and which feeds into our Playing Pitch Strategy.

"Encouraging everyone to lead active lives is within our Big Plan and we have thousands of residents playing on our pitches come rain or shine. So it’s important that we continue to maintain them and improve them for everyone’s use.”

Kath Purnell, facilities and investment lead for the Dorset County Football Association, said: “We are really pleased to be working with BCP Council on the LA Grass Pitch Programme.

"This fantastic initiative will improve the quality of grass pitches across the local authority area ensuring that grassroots football clubs and players have quality grass pitches on which to train and play matches, ensuring the sustainability and future growth of football and a greater user experience”.

The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports charity and exists to improve the experience of playing football for everyone, by championing fair access to quality facilities.