Football enthusiasts are being asked to tell Wirral Council what activities they need more of in their area as the authority bids for funding to make it happen.

Research has shown that while football is Wirral’s favourite sport, the activities and opportunities to get involved could be more specific to each community and their needs.

The council is planning to apply to the ‘Active Through Football’ National Lottery programme for funding of up to £750,000. If successful, the money would be used to deliver the footballing activities that local people want to see – but first the authority needs residents, organisations and communities to help shape the vision for the future of football in Wirral.

Funding will be focused in Birkenhead & Tranmere, Seacombe, Bidston & St James, Rock Ferry and Liscard as these areas have been identified as the most in need of these improved activities.

Input from residents will be vital to the success of the council’s funding application by identifying the activities that are really wanted by each of the local communities.

Whether residents are interested in coached football sessions, pan disability sessions or becoming a volunteer or a referee, the council needs to hear from local people to find out what they want and organisations and groups that might want to get involved.

Through an online survey, residents will be asked what activities they can currently access in their area, what they think is missing from the current offer or if they face any barriers when it comes to accessing football, or getting active in general.

From the feedback, the council aims to develop and deliver an engaging five-year programme, shaped by the community, to make football an activity that is accessible for everyone.

Cllr Tom Anderson, Chair of Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee at Wirral Council, says: “Football is not only an opportunity to get active and improve mental and physical health, but it’s also a chance to socialise and be involved with your community.

“Everyone should have the chance to get active, develop skills and improve their quality of life. If we are successful with our funding application, the development of a five-year plan will give more residents the opportunity to access activities and get involved with football in a way they can enjoy.”

The national funding available is £10 million and, if successful, Wirral Council could receive in the region of £500,000 - £750,000 to support football activities in Wirral over the five years.

Local community groups and organisations are similarly invited to have their say on what activities they would like to see but can also contact the team by emailing activethroughfootball@wirral.gov.uk if they would like to get involved in helping to deliver the programme of activities.

To take part and find out more about the consultation, visit the council’s Have Your Say website.

For residents who would like support completing the consultation, or would like to provide their feedback in another way, the team can be contacted by emailing activethroughfootball@wirral.gov.uk