GFA’s 3G bonanza

The local game could see £6m. invested in grassroots facilities with three new 3G pitches, up to 29 grass pitches improved, three new changing pavilions and one County FA community football hub should the sale of Wembley to an American business tycoon, the billionaire Shahid Khan, go ahead.

‘An investment of this level into Guernsey football would create a legacy for future generations,’ said Gary Roberts, chief executive at the GFA yesterday.

The GFA CEO confirmed that the proposed sale would provide an 85% uplift of investment into community football facilities on a national basis.

‘If Wembley Stadium is sold, and the Guernsey football community was to receive up to £6m. of investment into facilities, then it is abundantly clear that this would have a transformative impact on grassroots football in the island,’ added Roberts.

‘The sale of Wembley Stadium would result in a significant investment uplift into community football facilities compared to the investment that has been currently projected, which would ensure more 3G pitches are built, improvements to existing grass pitches are prioritised and pavilions and changing facilities in local clubs can be enhanced.

‘Facilities are the number one issue cited by those playing and running the grassroots game and the standard of facilities has a significant impact on the enjoyment of those involved in the game at all levels.

‘We have seen first-hand the impact of the weather on the local affiliated fixture programme in recent seasons and an investment of this nature over a number of years would enhance the quality and quantity of local playing surfaces, both grass and artificial, so that the Guernsey football community was not impacted to such an extent again.’

• More in Tuesday's Guernsey Press.