THE East Lancashire Football Development Association (ELFDA) has been put in prime position to obtain future grants that would improve football facilities in the area.

The tireless efforts of the committee has seen a close working relationship formed with Tom Hall at Sporting Assets, The Lancashire Football Association, Blackburn Rovers FC and Rovers Trust.

Tom has been campaigning on behalf of ELFDA for well over a year and has now managed to secure four days free consultancy with the renowned Plunkett Foundation.

“The work will involve turning ELFDA into a Community Benefit Society,” said Tom Hall. “This will open the door to many more capital grants. It’s very good news.” For ELFDA.

Chairman of ELFDA Bill Maynard is delighted.

“We have been doing a great deal of work behind the scenes applying for grants, and making sure we are more than ready to move forward should funds come our way,” said Maynard.

“We have worked closely with Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council to identify areas where grant funding would help local football - from getting funding to advance coaching methods and training, to recruiting and helping develop referees training and mentoring.

“We are currently awaiting on our latest funding bid with Sport England and it’s Protective Playing Fields Grant application.

“We are also looking to identify further projects as we move forward.

“That means everything from upgrading existing pitches, developing grass areas into new pitches, and even building new 4G areas. We are happy to partnership with interested parties to ensure football continues to thrive in East Lancashire.”

Any local businesses interested in working alongside ELFDA, or anyone who may know of grant funding available for local projects should get in touch with Bill Maynard at billmaynardelfda@hotmail.com