A grassroots football scheme has been awarded £25,000 to help improve its facilities.

Accrington Stanley in the Community is one of 178 projects across the country who will receive extra funding from the Government, the FA, and the Premier League in the latest funding announcement.

MP for Hyndburn, Sara Britcliffe, said: “Too many communities across the UK do not already have access to the high standard of local sports facilities that they need and deserve.

“I welcome £25,000 in investment from the Government, the FA, and the Premier League, which will support upgrades to changing rooms, pitches, and pavilions – widening access so even more local residents can benefit from high quality sports facilities.

“Access to high quality facilities and increased participation can be transformational – this investment in grassroots sport will improve physical and mental wellbeing and bring our communities together.”

In total, £39 million has been invested to upgrade football facilities in England this financial year. Scotland will receive £2 million, Wales £1.3 million, and Northern Ireland £700,000.

A further package of investment worth £230 million will also be invested in grassroots football.

UK Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, added: “We are ramping up UK government funding to improve access to high quality sports facilities for the underprivileged and underrepresented across England.

“From artificial grass pitches in Sefton, Newcastle and Southampton, to great changing facilities in Blackpool and Solihull, and grass pitch improvements in Chelmsford, Harrogate and Ipswich, this investment will ensure more people can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of these facilities in their local communities.”