UEFA unveils pitches proposal

Major funds
Under the project, announced at the XXVII Ordinary UEFA Congress in Rome on Thursday, UEFA will make €675,000 available to each member association to support the creation of practice areas in their country. The aim is for at least one Jubilee grassroots pitch to be in use in each of the 52 UEFA member associations before the end of next year.

Norway inspiration
The idea has been inspired by a new campaign begun in Norway three years ago to encourage local authorities to provide small playing areas up and down the country. The scheme involved co-operation between the Norwegian FA, regional football associations, central government, local authorities and local sponsors.

Football boom
"Once the idea was established, the idea of the small pitches caught on and spread quickly," said UEFA vice-president and Norwegian FA president Per Ravn Omdal, who presented UEFA's Jubilee grassroots programme in Rome. "Now, children and adults can play any time of day or night in these areas, and it has prompted a new football boom in our country." UEFA took note of the success of the project, and is launching a scheme that has certain similarities, while recognising that conditions in Norway and other areas of Europe are not necessarily the same.

Simple questionnaire
National associations will be provided with a simple questionnaire to help them define their needs in the area of grassroots facilities and to request a subsidy for the project. UEFA will then assess the suitability of the proposed facilities before approving the release of funds.

Association fund-raising
UEFA will expect every member association to raise five to ten Euros for each one received from UEFA itself, with remaining financing coming from the association itself, central government, sports councils, local authorities and commercial sponsors. Associations may work with their own preferred sponsors, subject to certain conditions. If artificial playing surfaces are involved, UEFA technical experts will provide advice on recommended products.

Pilot projects
The UEFA scheme is not confined to the year 2004. UEFA's 50th birthday will serve as the opportunity to launch the first pilot projects across Europe. The plan is to start the process of applying for funds in the second half of 2003. Applications will be assessed and funds allocated as soon as possible to allow work on the planned pitches to start immediately.

Create a legacy
"We want to create a legacy that will enable not only children, but people of all ages, of both sexes and all social classes and footballing abilities, to play the game as a preferred form of recreation," said UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner. "This is especially important in urban areas, where space is becoming ever more scarce and therefore more valuable.

Grassroots philosophy
"UEFA's objectives for its 50th Jubilee in 2004 also reflect a central element of our philosophy for grassroots football," he added. "To promote the playing of the game at the broadest possible level throughout the continent."