Upton benefit from Sport England flood funding

08/05/14   by Paul Bolton

The winter storms and floods devastated homes, businesses and infrastructure across the country and also had major impact on sports facilities, particularly sports pitches and water sports centres.

In February, Sport England launched the £5 million Flood Relief Fund in a bid to help clean up and repair sports pitches and facilities and get them back up and running.

Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England, said: “The storms and floods devastated many sports facilities across England. We want to play our part in helping communities get back to normal, and we are delighted to be able to get this emergency funding to Upton Rugby Club to help it get back up and running as soon as possible.”

Upton will use its award to drain, disinfect and resurface their rugby pitches which were left badly affected due to waterlogging and standing flood water. The storms also blew over a set of rugby posts, snapping the hinges they were fixed to.

“We are delighted that Sport England has awarded this funding to us which will allow us to repair the fallen posts and re-seed, weed and feed our floodlit training and match pitch so both the club and community can once more benefit from these fantastic facilities,’ said Upton treasurer Rob Heeley.