Gary Neville launches hunt for Exeter’s worst football pitch

Former England and Manchester United star Gary Neville has launched a new national campaign to help struggling grassroots football clubs — and Exeter teams could be among the winners.

The scheme, known as the Best Worst Pitch initiative, is being run in partnership with Specsavers and will support 50 underfunded football teams across the UK with equipment and training to improve their pitches.

Neville said he was keen to highlight the importance of grassroots football and the volunteers who make it happen.

“Anyone who has played football at one point or another has played on a dodgy pitch,” he said.

“Grassroots football is the foundation of our sport and it’s great to be a part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative, supporting the communities and volunteers who make it possible.”

The 50 selected teams will receive:

• Professional line-painting equipment

• GPS pitch mapping technology

• Pitch maintenance tools

• Specialist training and education to help clubs care for their grounds through next season and beyond

The campaign is a response to growing concerns from UK football bodies over the state of grassroots pitches. With many councils facing budget constraints, the upkeep of pitches often falls to local volunteers.

Specsavers has already spent two seasons documenting the challenges clubs face through its Best Worst Team campaign, and now aims to deliver long-term support for those most in need.

“By making faded lines more visible, we’re helping players see the beautiful game more clearly,” said Kim Bull, PR and Social Lead at Specsavers. “And, hopefully, make fewer mistakes.”

As well as improving pitch quality, the initiative focuses on player safety, visibility, and accessibility - giving more communities the chance to enjoy better football facilities.

Clubs in Exeter and across Devon are encouraged to apply online to be considered for the scheme.