Gary Neville champions Specsavers’ Best Worst Pitch Initiative to transform grassroots pitches

Gary Neville, former Manchester United and England footballer, is pictured with Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty to launch Specsavers’ new initiative, Best Worst Pitch

In a bid to breathe new life into underfunded grassroots football pitches, Manchester United and England legend Gary Neville has partnered with Specsavers to launch the innovative Best Worst Pitch initiative.

This nationwide campaign aims to support 50 UK grassroots football clubs by providing professional line painting equipment, GPS pitch mapping, maintenance tools, and specialised training to ensure pitches remain playable for seasons to come.

The initiative addresses a critical issue facing grassroots football: the chronic lack of funding for pitch maintenance. With local councils stretched thin and the responsibility for upkeep often falling on dedicated volunteers, many clubs struggle to maintain safe and playable surfaces.

The Best Worst Pitch campaign builds on Specsavers’ ongoing commitment to grassroots football, following the success of their Best Worst Team initiative, which highlighted the challenges faced by community clubs.

Gary Neville, a vocal advocate for grassroots sports, expressed his enthusiasm for the project:

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

His involvement underscores the importance of ensuring that grassroots football, the bedrock of the sport, receives the support it desperately needs.

Tackling the Pitch Maintenance Crisis

The state of grassroots football pitches has been a growing concern, with UK football governing bodies recently highlighting maintenance as a significant challenge.

In Northern Ireland, the Irish FA / DCMS Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund allocated £3 million as part of the UK Government’s Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme.

However, this funding only scratches the surface of the widespread need for pitch improvements across the region.

Clear and accurate line markings are essential for more than just aesthetics—they ensure structure, fairness, and safety during matches. Well-maintained pitches enhance visibility, spatial awareness, and overall playability, reducing the risk of injuries and improving the experience for players and officials alike.

Yet, many grassroots clubs rely on outdated equipment and the tireless efforts of volunteers to keep pitches in usable condition.

Craig Doughty, Chairman of Tunley Athletic, the current Specsavers Best Worst Team, shared the struggles faced by volunteers:

“It’s a real slog sometimes - every week, rain or shine, I’m out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked. The equipment we’ve got is ancient—it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. On dark evenings or when the wind’s howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club—it means everything to the community.”

His words highlight the dedication of volunteers who keep grassroots football alive, often under challenging conditions.

Specsavers’ Commitment to Grassroots Football

The Best Worst Pitch initiative is a natural extension of Specsavers’ long-standing support for grassroots football. Through their Best Worst Team campaign, the brand has documented the real-world challenges faced by community clubs, from worn-out kits to crumbling facilities.

The new initiative takes this commitment a step further by providing tangible solutions to one of the sport’s most pressing issues.

Kim Bull, Specsavers’ PR and Social Lead, explained the motivation behind the campaign:

“Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we’ve noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running. People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about.

“This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley. By making faded lines more visible, we’re helping players see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!”

In addition to supplying state-of-the-art equipment, Specsavers is offering training and education to the 50 selected clubs. This holistic approach aims to address long-term challenges, empowering volunteers with the skills and tools needed to maintain pitches effectively.

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and longevity of grassroots pitches, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of local communities for years to come.

How Clubs Can Get Involved

The Best Worst Pitch initiative is open to grassroots football clubs across the UK, with applications now being accepted through the Specsavers Best Worst Pitch website.

Clubs in dire need of pitch maintenance support are encouraged to apply for the chance to receive professional-grade equipment and training. The initiative not only celebrates the volunteers who keep grassroots football alive but also reinforces Specsavers’ commitment to the vital role clear vision plays both on and off the pitch.

For Northern Ireland clubs, where funding constraints are particularly acute, this initiative offers a lifeline to improve facilities and enhance the playing experience.

By addressing the practical challenges of pitch maintenance, Specsavers and Gary Neville are helping to ensure that grassroots football remains accessible and enjoyable for communities across the UK.

To apply for the Best Worst Pitch initiative and help transform your local club’s pitch, visit the Specsavers Best Worst Pitch website today.