Football legend Gary Neville to be on the lookout for South Devon teams that need to boost their pitch and facilities.
The ex-Manchester United and England defender has joined up with Specsavers to find a grassroots football team worthy of a big upgrade.
Fifty teams that are selected will receive professional line-painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, and specialised training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond.
Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game for South Devon teams, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play.
Gary said: “Anyone who has played football at one point or another has played on a dodgy pitch. Grassroots football is the foundation of our sport and it’s great to be a part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative supporting the communities and volunteers who make it possible.”
The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport.
With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community.
It’s a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having documented the journey of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign – highlighting the struggles faced at pitch level.
As well as providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs – aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring that communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come.
Kim Bull, PR and Social Lead, said: “Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we’ve noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running. By making faded lines more visible, we’re helping players see the beautiful game more clearly. And, hopefully, make fewer mistakes.”
To have a chance of being part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative and help improve the quality of your local club’s football pitch, apply online at www.specsavers.co.uk/best-worst-pitch.
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