GRASSROOTS sports in Andover and Whitchurch will receive more than £20,000 to improve facilities and get more people active.

Whitchurch United have been awarded a government grant of £17,955, while Andover New Street Youth have received £2,504.

The grants are part of a government programme which is investing tens of millions into more than 1,700 grassroots sports facilities across the country.

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The money will go on a range of projects such as creating or upgrading changing rooms, grass pitches, 3G football turf pitches, floodlights, fencing and improving disabled access. 

It is also hoped that the funding will help more people from underrepresented groups such as women and girls and those living with disabilities get into sports.

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Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, said: "This is good news and will hopefully encourage more local people to take up sports. We know the immense benefits sports can bring to our lives from improving our fitness and mental health to fostering close friendships and camaraderie with team mates.

“We of course saw our legendary women’s national team win the Euros last year — and I hope this funding encourages more women and girls from places like Andover and Whitchurch into sport."