SCHOOLS in Brighouse and Dewsbury are among over a hundred grassroots football facilities in England to benefit from an initial £39 million of Government funding as part of a commitment to levelling up access to physical activity.

A total of 116 projects across England will receive funding to create and improve pitches, changing rooms and pavilions, so that more local communities can access high-quality facilities.

Projects have been chosen for their ability to deliver improved facilities in deprived areas, support multi-sport use and increase participation among currently under-represented groups, including women, girls and disabled players.

Rastrick High School, based in Brighouse, are upgrading their existing sand based artificial pitch to a new 3G Football Turf Pitch along with new changing pavilion.

The pitch will enable the school to provide a much wider community sport offer.

The project will continue to provide a base for partner club Rastrick Juniors FC who currently have 19 teams.

Huddersfield Town Foundation and West Riding County FA would also run Wildcats sessions, recreational league opportunities, vets league and Kicks programmes.

St John Fisher Catholic High School in Dewsbury, which is part of The Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust, received £196,000 towards upgrading their existing 3G football turf pitch.

The school which is located in an area of high deprivation will provide opportunities for community football.