Pitch In!

by Farmor's School in Fairford, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Total raised £3,352

£150,000 target 54 days left
2% 42 supporters
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 3rd April 2025 at 1:47pm

We are fundraising to build a One Million Pound Astroturf for Fairford! All we need to kick it off is £300K and the FA will match-fund us!

by Farmor's School in Fairford, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Who are we?

Farmor's School has the perfect site for a brand new state-of-the-art all-weather pitch. We are in an identified area of facility-need and so the FA will fund up to 70% of the cost, making this an exciting and achievable project to benefit the whole community. Not only will this provide for our many school sports teams, but also bring more opportunities to the wider sporting community. We are working with Fairford Youth Football Club, the Town and District Councils, The Football Foundation and Fairford Rugby Club to make sure this new facility benefits grass roots sports provision for local children and diverse groups across the area. Farmor's School is a publicly funded educational establishment providing facilities for the community and our partners are not-for-profit football clubs and voluntary groups. Essentially we are a group of educators and volunteers who believe passionately in the power of sport for physical and mental well-being. We are working together to provide for today's and tomorrow's young people, so why not join in?   

Sport has something for everyone at Farmor's, as you can see below.

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Why are we crowdfunding?

The new astroturf will provide our students with a safe, high-quality space for sports, physical education, and competitive matches, no matter the weather. But our vision goes far beyond the school gates. We are committed to supporting local grassroots sports and creating a hub for the entire community.

Here's the field- imagine the astroturf here!

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Fairford is a growing town with an urgent need for better sporting facilities for youth teams in football and rugby. Our excellent location offers easy parking, access to the adjacent sports hall for small-pitch games, and modern amenities like toilets and changing rooms. The addition of a full-size astroturf will make our site a perfect space for everyone—from established boys' and girls' teams to new opportunities for minority groups, such as walking football players, who currently travel to Cirencester for games.

By funding this project, you’re helping to bring inclusive, year-round sports opportunities to Fairford, creating a vibrant community hub that will benefit generations to come. Join us in making it happen!

Here's our recent rugby tour to South Africa.1736527170_img_8173.jpeg

How we’ll spend the money raised

Raising £150K by April will allow us to put in a bid for the remaining funding from the FA. Fairford is an identified location in the Football Foundation / Gloucestershire FA's 'Local Football Facility Plans' for a new facility and we have provisional approval for our site and project. All we need is evidence of enough local financial commitment to get this off the ground. 

One of our many rugby teams 1736527234_img_8181.jpeg

Community impact

1. Year-Round Sports Access

The weather-resistant nature of the astroturf ensures consistent access to sports and physical activities, regardless of the season and any impacts of a changing climate. This is especially important in semi-rural areas where facilities may be limited and outdoor pitches can become unusable in poor weather. 

2. Increased Opportunities for Minority Groups

The astroturf provides a welcoming space for diverse groups, including walking football players, female athletes, and other underrepresented groups. It promotes inclusivity and encourages more people to participate in sports, fostering a stronger sense of community.

3. Supporting Grassroots Sports Development

With the addition of a full-sized, high-quality playing surface, local youth teams in football, rugby, and other sports will have access to professional-level facilities. This can help nurture talent, support skill development, and inspire young athletes to pursue their passions.

4. Building a Community Hub

Situated in a semi-rural location, the astroturf can act as a central hub for activities, bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging. The facility's proximity to the sports hall, parking, and amenities enhances its potential as a multi-purpose community asset.

5. Encouraging Active Lifestyles

With limited facilities often a challenge in semi-rural areas, the astroturf provides an accessible space for everyone to stay active. From competitive matches to casual games, it encourages physical fitness and mental well-being across all age groups.

6. Reducing Travel for Sporting Activities

Currently, many community members must travel for access to suitable facilities. The new astroturf eliminates this barrier, saving time and costs for local families and teams while reducing environmental impact.

7. Boosting Local Economy and Engagement

The potential to boosting local businesses such as shops, cafes, and restaurants through parents waiting for their children and team-mates socialising post training could be significant. It also creates opportunities for coaching, training programs, and volunteering within the community.

8. Creating a Legacy for Future Generations

This astroturf will serve not only today’s community but also future generations, providing a long-lasting, sustainable resource that continues to enrich the community for years to come.

We have teams in all age groups1736527255_img_8165.jpeg

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

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