Oasis Academy Mayfield wins grant to grow grassroots football in the city

A secondary school in the heart of Southampton has recently been awarded with almost half-a-million pounds in a bid to grow and develop grassroots football in the city.

Oasis Academy Mayfield, situated on Ashley Crescent in Southampton has been successful after bidding for an all-weather pitch which was approved by local councillors last year with the sum will covering the cost of building the new pitch.

Once completed, this will allow Oasis Academy Mayfield to provide a much wider community sports programme after the school day and into the evenings during the week, plus during the day at weekends.

Claire Taylor, Principal at Oasis Academy Mayfield commented saying; “We are so excited about being able to offer this future provision to our community and we thank the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport for the funding, but this development wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our amazing partners; Sholing FC, Eastleigh in the Community, and Saints Foundation.”

“This much needed community facility will enable us to provide pathways into football for all ages and promote women’s and girls’ teams plus host a pan disability league. The plans which we can’t wait to share in more detail are fully inclusive giving everyone the opportunity to be part of football.”

As reported by the Southern Daily Echo, the funding has come as part of a joint £39 million grant from the Football Association and the Government to help improve sports in a number of areas across the country.

Grassroots football teams in Newcastle and Sefton are among those to share the initial government's funding.

Projects have been chosen for their ability to deliver improved facilities in deprived areas, support multi-sport use and increase participation among currently under-represented groups, including women, girls, and disabled players.