JUNIOR football club's Astley and Tyldesley unveiled their new pitches last weekend with the help of MP Andy Burnham.

Joined by Football Foundation President, Lord Pendry, MP Andy Burnham unveiled the new pitches at the Gin Pit Village Playing Fields.

The club was given a grant of £90,870 from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, delivered by the Football Foundation to help develop and refurbish the grassroots facility.

The work at Gin Pit Village Playing Fields has included the installation of a new drainage system, levelling of the playing surfaces and re-seeding.

Previously, matches and training sessions were often cancelled during the winter months as the pitches at the site were often heavily waterlogged however now the the improved facilities have helped Astley and Tyldesley JFC to secure FA Charter Standard Community Club status.

Since 2004 the club have grown from two to 25 teams making the club one of the largest in the region.

Speaking at the event, Andy Burnham MP said: “I am delighted to see this investment from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund into my constituency.

"This funding will massively improve Astley & Tyldesley’s playing surfaces and help avoid waterlogging and fixture cancellations.

“As a member of the parliamentary football team and as an avid football fan myself, I understand how important it is for local people to have places like this to enjoy the game and benefit from being healthier as result.

“The Football Foundation therefore plays an incredibly important role in improving the country’s grassroots football facilities.

"Since it was conceived by the cross-party Football task force 15 years ago, the Foundation has delivered 900 changing pavilions, 526 all-weather pitches and more than 3,200 real grass pitches, such as these enjoyed by Astley & Tyldesley JFC.

Long may its vital work continue.”

Lord Pendry, President of the Football Foundation, commented: “I have seen first-hand just how much effort is put in by volunteers at the club all year round and I look forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength as a result of the funding from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund.”