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People living in South Tyneside are set to benefit from fresh investment into local football facilities.

Perth Green Community Association and Â鶹ÊÓƵ have been jointly awarded a £536,161 grant from the Premier League, the FA and the Government's Football Foundation to install a brand new 3G pitch on land adjacent to the Community Association in Jarrow.

Planning permission has already been secured and work is expected to start in January 2022.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Co-operatives, said: "The development of a 3G pitch will be a huge asset to the local community, bringing with it enhanced opportunities for sport and leisure.

"It is yet another example of the success the Borough's community associations are enjoying. By working together we have created the conditions for this investment which will help us deliver on our priority of supporting families and young people."

Perth Green Community Association worked with the Football Foundation and Durham FA to secure a grant in excess of £530,000 to fund the project, with further funding being provided by other grants and the Community Association itself.

Jimmy Kane, Chairman of the Community Association, said "In 2015 it was identified that there was a shortage of 3G pitch facilities in South Tyneside and, as such, the Perth Green site was recommended as a potential development site.  It is fantastic for the area and South Tyneside that this project has come to fruition with the fantastic support of the Football Foundation, Durham County FA, Â鶹ÊÓƵ, the Trustees of Perth Green and all of the grant funders.

"The community facility will be used by stakeholders in Jarrow FC Youth Teams, Boldon Girls, Sunderland Foundation of Light, local schools and the community at large. A range of options such as walking football, disability sports and coaching for children and youths, will encourage people to become more active, improving both their physical and mental wellbeing. The new facility will become a hub of activity for Perth Green, the local area and the Borough in general."

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "This grant award to Perth Green Community Association towards developing a new 3G pitch is great news for the local community.

"The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners - the Premier League, The FA, government and Sport England - to support facility development projects like this across the country over the next decade to transform our grassroots game and unlock the power of pitches."