SPFL Partner Papa John's announce community fund

SCOTTISH AMATEUR AND GRASSROOTS TEAMS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A SLICE OF PAPA JOHN’S NEW ‘GET ON THE PITCH’ FUND TO HELP MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AT THEIR CLUB

As the SPFL’s Official Takeaway Partner Papa John’s launches its six-figure community fund to support UK grassroots football, 11 clubs and coaches have come together to discuss the challenges they currently face

As grassroots clubs continue to struggle financially, a squad of community clubs, that helped launch the careers of current England internationals including Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane have joined forces to raise awareness for Papa John’s ‘Get on the Pitch’ campaign.

The 11 clubs came together at Highgate United FC, once the team of Premier League star Jack Grealish, and the representatives met to discuss issues that surround their clubs, and with the effects of the pandemic still ongoing, their financial future was high on the agenda. Estimated market values today from www.transfermkt.com suggest the total worth of these players that have come up through their ranks, to be approximately £450 million, yet these local heroes face a constant battle to keep their clubs afloat.

The Papa John’s ‘Get on the Pitch’ fund, fronted by ex-Premier League footballer and TV personality Jimmy Bullard, will see local clubs all over the UK able to apply online for a chunk of the £100k on offer to make improvements to their local club. From goalposts that need replacing to clubhouses that require a lick of paint, Papa John’s is looking to lend a hand to nearly 12 million people in the UK that are involved in the grassroots game.

It’s not just players that can benefit, from equipment for grounds-persons and training for match officials, to improved facilities for those serving refreshments, the fund will look to encompass all aspects of the beautiful game for everyone to enjoy. Players, coaches, club committee members and ground staff can all apply for a slice of the action via the designated Papa John’s website – www.papajohns.co.uk/pitchit 

🍕 Bag a slice of £100K for your grassroots club courtesy of SPFL partner @PapaJohnsUK

New training gear, nets or even some brand spanking new dugouts?

Whatever you need, pitch to Papa John’s at: https://t.co/KlffezR5xU
#GrassrootsFootball #TogetherWeCan #GetOnThePitch pic.twitter.com/rbOD6nBgEa

— SPFL (@spfl) May 5, 2021

Additional clubs involved include Ridgeway Rovers, responsible for the early careers of former England captain David Beckham and current skipper Harry Kane. The Essex based club continue to support their community via football.

Speaking on the club Ian Marshall, Club Chairman said: “The pandemic has been a massive challenge to everyone, but especially grassroots football clubs. We have seen clubs that we regularly play against folding at a worrying rate, so campaigns like this one that supports grassroots clubs are key in our quest to back to normality as soon as possible. Some of our players have struggled with lockdown, so it’s been great to see them out playing and training again in the past few weeks.”

Fletcher Moss Rangers, the Manchester club that kicked off the careers of England duo Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard also joins the discussion. David Horrocks, Development officer said: “The past year has been incredibly difficult for all grassroots sport, not just football. Financially, there’s been a strain on our club with league invoices to pay as well as pitch fees, all this despite no money coming in. We also have many coaches who require mandatory training courses, but these obviously haven’t been running.

“Since we were allowed back our community soccer school has thrived, with girls and boys from many diverse backgrounds making new friends out in the fresh air in a safe and fun environment. This is undoubtedly the most important aspect of what we do.” 

Giles Codd, Marketing Director at Papa John’s said: “We’ve brought this group of incredible people together to highlight the financial disparity that exists between grassroots football and the top level of the game that is seen by millions all over the world. Without vital training and coaching from grassroot teams, players wouldn’t have the solid foundation to go on to become the talented stars that they are today.

“Our ‘Get on the Pitch’ fund aims to helps give clubs like these a lift after what’s been a catastrophic year for grassroots. At Papa John’s we know this is just the start and we’re looking forward to amplifying our support for grassroots football via our EFL and SPFL partnerships moving forward.”