§ Maria EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Football Association and the FA Premier League about the investment of the proceeds of the funds of their new television contracts in grass roots football; and if he will make a statement. [132676]
415W
§ Mr. Chris SmithFollowing extensive discussions with the Football Association, FA Premier League and other interested parties, the Football Foundation became operational last month. The Foundation is a partnership between the sport and Government. The Foundation will receive funding from the Football Association, the FA Premier League, the Lottery Sports Fund and other Government sources. The primary aim of the Foundation will be to improve facilities for grassroots football.
The Government have nominated my hon. Friend the Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Pendry) to be its representative on the board of the Foundation. Sport England has nominated its Chairman, Trevor Brooking, to be its representative on that board to sit alongside those of the Football Association and FA Premier League. The Foundation will be launched tomorrow when full details of its plans will be published.