ALMOST half-a-million-pounds have been given to a Southampton school, in a bid to grow grassroots football in the city.

The Oasis Academy Mayfield has been awarded £448,887 by the Government sporting chiefs as well as the Football Association (FA).

The cash will fund the cost of building a new all-weather pitch - approved by local councillors last year.

This project will also allow Oasis Academy to provide a wider community sports programme in the evenings and weekends than it is currently able to. 

Daily Echo:

As reported, the city council approved an application submitted by Oasis Academy Mayfield, last July which sought consent for a 100m x 64m pitch behind homes in The Grove.

The floodlit facility will be used by the Academy during the day and by local clubs in the evening and at weekends.

It will occupy a site southwest of the main school building, replacing part of the existing sports field.

Claire Taylor, Principal at Oasis Academy Mayfield, says: "We are so excited about being able to offer this future provision to our community and we thank the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport for the funding, but this development wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our amazing partners; Sholing FC, Eastleigh in the Community, and Saints Foundation.

"This much-needed community facility will enable us to provide pathways into football for all ages, promote women’s and girls’ teams, plus host a pan-disability league. The plans, which we can’t wait to share in more detail, are fully inclusive, giving everyone the opportunity to be part of football."

The funding has come as part of a joint £39 million grant from the Football Association and the Government to help improve sports in some of the country's most deprived areas. 

READ MORE: Oasis Academy Mayfield to be equipped with all-weather pitch

Grassroots football teams in Newcastle and Sefton are among those to share the initial government's funding.

The funding, which will go to 116 projects in all, is part of an overall £230 million pledged over a four-year term to help build or upgrade 8,000 quality pitches across the UK and build or refurbish other facilities such as clubhouses and dressing rooms.

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.

Meanwhile, Oasis Academy already offers a number of recreational opportunities, including community sessions like "Saints Kicks," walking football and disability sessions. 

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "We are committed to improving access to high-quality sports facilities for the underprivileged and underrepresented across England.

"This investment will ensure more people can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of these facilities in their local communities."