Gregor Poynton MP has welcomed a £242,360 investment that has already delivered a newly upgraded artificial grass pitch at Murieston United Community Football Club, supporting grassroots football and community sport in West Lothian.
Livingston’s MP has welcomed a bumper grant from the UK Government to improve football facilities in his constituency.
Gregor Poynton MP has welcomed a £242,360 investment that has already delivered a newly upgraded artificial grass pitch at Murieston United Community Football Club, supporting grassroots football and community sport in West Lothian.
Mr Poynton recently met with Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, at her Westminster offices to welcome the investment and highlight the importance of backing local clubs through UK Labour Government funding.
During the meeting, he presented the Secretary of State with a Murieston United CFC scarf, recognising the club and the impact the programme is having locally.
READ MORE: Wellchild Awards open for West Lothian’s unsung heroes to be nominated
The funding was delivered through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, part of a wider UK Labour Government commitment to investing in grassroots sport, improving access to high-quality facilities, and supporting healthier, more active communities across the country.
Gregor also visited Murieston United last week to see the upgraded pitch in use and meet with club representatives and volunteers.
He said: “This is a really significant investment for Murieston United and for grassroots football in West Lothian.
“Local clubs like this are central to giving young people opportunities, bringing families together, and supporting both physical and mental wellbeing in our communities.
“With the pitch now upgraded and in use, more teams can train and play year-round, there are greater opportunities for women and girls to get involved, and the club has a stronger, more sustainable future.
READ MORE: Nearly 400 new West Lothian jobs created in business start-up boom
“I was delighted to visit the club last week and see the commitment of the volunteers who make Murieston United such a success.”
The upgraded surface is already supporting increased participation, improved training standards and greater year-round use, helping the club plan for the future and expand opportunities for women and girls, young people and community groups.
Ciera Venables, Chair of Murieston United CFC, added: “Having our pitch replaced has been an incredible moment for the club and for everyone connected to it.
“The new surface has already transformed the day-to-day experience for our players, providing a safer, high-quality facility that can be used consistently throughout the year. This has improved training standards, reduced cancellations, and created a more inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities.
“Alongside the fund investment, the club demonstrated strong local commitment by fundraising, showing clear community buy-in and long-term sustainability.
READ MORE: Work set to start on new West Lothian primary school this Spring
“The impact of the project goes beyond football – it has strengthened community pride, increased participation, and created a facility the club can build on for years to come.
“We are hugely grateful to the SFA Pitching In Fund, funded by DCMS, whose support has been instrumental in making this lasting impact possible.”
Across the UK, nearly 1,000 community sports projects have benefited from the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme in 2025/26 alone, with at least 50 per cent of funding directed to the 30 per cent most deprived communities.
Projects include new and upgraded all-weather pitches, improved changing facilities, floodlighting and community hubs designed to support participation across multiple sports.
The investment reflects the UK Labour Government’s wider Plan for Change – backing local communities, improving health and wellbeing, and ensuring families have affordable, accessible opportunities to stay active close to home.
READ MORE: West Lothian club raided by thieves as ‘irreplaceable’ items stolen
Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here.