MAJOR improvement work at a Wirral youth football playing field can now be completed after a funding boost of more than £94,000.

The owners of Acres Road Playing Fields in Meols have been awarded £94,429 from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund.

As part of the project, the changing room pavilion will be refurbished, so that it will comprise two large changing rooms, an officials' room, spectator toilets and plant storage.

The real grass pitches will also undergo renovation and pitch maintenance equipment will be bought, in order to improve playing surface quality at the site.

Acres Road has suffered consistently in recent years from water-logging due to a lack of drainage and adequate pitch maintenance. A new entrance gate will also be installed.

Paul Williams, chairman of Hoylake AC, said: “As a result of this generous funding the site will become the central hub for AC Hoylake FC, who currently operate 19 junior teams, allowing players, coaches and parents to get involved in grassroots football in a safe and comfortable environment.

“The improvements will also allow the club to form closer links with local schools and expand the role of the club within the community.”

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Congratulations should go to AC Hoylake FC for working with the Cheshire FA to secure this Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund grant.

“Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded 171 grants worth £9.3m across Cheshire FA towards grassroots sports projects worth nearly £18.8m with money generously provided by our funders: the Premier League, The FA and the Government, via Sport England.”