Sport

Sport Football pitches set to look match fit soon

by Faith Eckersall

Football pitches in the BCP Council area could soon be looking far more match fit thanks to a new programme involving the Premier League. The FA, Government and Premier League’s charity, The Football Foundation, has included BCP Council in a group of local authorities selected as part of its new grass pitch pilot programme. The initiative aims to support the improvement of grass pitches across the conurbation over the next 10 years. BCP was selected following a successful Expression of Interest process in partnership with Dorset County Football Association, which involved ground soil sample tests on 57 grass pitches across 15 sites. After submitting the data, the council will hear back towards the end of July on how much funding it will receive towards its pitch maintenance and renovation programme. The plan will be delivered by the council and other local partners working with The Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity. BCP Council said it was prioritising sites which needed improvement using information from the Local Football Facility Plans which have been created for every area in England. Facilities and investment lead for the Dorset County Football Association, Kath Purnell, said: “This fantastic initiative will improve the quality of 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.” Clubs can also obtain the Football Foundation’s ‘PitchPower’ free web app, that gives every club and organisation the ability to carry out their own grass pitch inspection. Once submitted, organisations will receive an assessment report with bespoke recommendations and advice from the experts at the Grounds Management Association (GMA) on how to improve their pitches.

Sylvain to lead St Tropez super-cycle

Former professional footballer Sylvain Distin is part of a team of 10 cyclists attempting to ride 1,300km from Sandbanks to St Tropez in just 10 days. The international pedal-powered challenge, which kicks off on May 18, is believed to be a world first, and every penny raised will go towards the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Sylvain (44) who lives in Poole explains: “I like to push myself and see what I’m capable of, although I’ve never taken on anything quite as big as this before. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve all together as a team... and enjoying St Tropez once we’ve crossed the finish line!” The self-funded mission was the bright idea of Will Irons, inspired by childhood memories of holidays in St Tropez, and brought to life with his brother-in-law Dave Taylor. Dave explains: “We have all been touched significantly by the tragic and shocking events unfolding in Ukraine and want to help by supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee to provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families.” For their fellow team mate Jemma Harding (42), the two-wheeled expedition is more than just a physical challenge – it’s about overcoming an accident that changed her life. For Jemma was involved in a collision with a lorry while she was riding her bike in London, and needed 12 hours of emergency surgery. “I didn’t know if I would be able to walk or cycle again. “After the accident, I moved back home to Dorset to recover, I got stronger and stronger, and I just knew that I would get back on a bike one day. “I didn’t want to let it defeat me. “It’s going to be really tough, but it is for a really important cause, and I have every confidence in our amazing team.” To support the Sandbanks to St Tropez challenge, visit the JustGiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/ sandbankstosttropez For more information contact info@sandbankstosttropez.com or call (+44) 07976 766023 Or visit SandbanksToStTropez.com.