THE Football Stadia Improvement Fund, supporters of the Football Foundation and the largest funder of non-league football in the country, has announced a grant of £17,035 to Wendron FC.

This award will enable the club to widen and lengthen its main pitch at their Underlane ground to enable them to seek promotion into step 7 of the western division of the South Western Peninsula league.

Over £87m has already been invested by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund since its launch in July 2000, funding lower league ground improvements throughout the professional and amateur game, thereby creating a safe and modern environment for fans and players to enjoy the game.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and Football Foundation, welcomed this latest funding initiative: "On behalf of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund I am delighted to be able to award this grant to Wendron FC.

"A vibrant community team is vital for the future of football. The Football Stadia Improvement Fund's aim is to revolutionise funding for the grass roots in the same way the professional game has been transformed over the last ten years. I pay a particular tribute to the hard work and dedication of all at the club for making this funding a reality."

Club spokesman, Alan Watson, said: "It is important that we as a club work to improve the facilities for all users of the club. One of our clubs objectives is to provide the best programs, staff, volunteers, equipment and facilities to fully meet the requirements of its members. To this end, we continually strive to develop and extend existing facilities as a priority. This award will greatly help us to achieve one of our aims, and the club thank the Football Stadia Improvement Fund for their support."