Gary Lineker went back to where his football career began earlier this week to see for himself how Premier League and Football Foundation investment at all levels of the game benefits youth development and local communities across England and Wales.
The former England striker and now host of BBC's Match of the Day visited Aylestone Park FC in Leicester, which over the years has been able to make significant upgrades to facilities at its Saffron Lane home.
Aylestone Park has received funding of more than £1.2 million from the Football Foundation, which is funded by the Premier League, the FA and the Government, as well as an additional grant of £20,000 from the Premier League Stadium Fund for new energy-efficient LED floodlights.
"This place has changed dramatically," said Lineker, who signed up with Aylestone Park when he was only 10-years-old. "The impact Premier League funding has on a club at this level is enormous. You come here most evenings and there'll be hundreds of girls and boys playing.
"Premier League investment at this level is vitally important for the game. It's definitely one of the reasons why we're now producing more talent in this country probably as much as any time in our history.
"The Premier League is a global triumph and the fact that it's giving to the grassroots game deserves real plaudits. For me, that support is the best thing the Premier League does."
Football Foundation funding at Aylestone Park has included grants for grass pitches, changing rooms, a full-size 3G pitch, goalposts and maintenance while the new floodlights enable the site to be used well into the winter evenings.
The Premier League has supported the development of grassroots facilities through the Football Foundation for 25 years. Last season alone, 87,000 teams played at a location which has had Football Foundation investment.
The upgraded floodlights also means the club will meet ground criteria for progression up the football pyramid. Aylestone Park is one more than 1,000 clubs supported by the Premier League Stadium Fund.
"Premier League funding means that we can move the facility in the right direction and make it a great place where everybody from seniors to juniors and girls can enjoy themselves," said Aylestone Park chair John Greaves, who has been part of the club since it began in 1968.
"It's a real community hub and it's very busy. A recent council survey estimated that more than a quarter of a million people pass through here per season. It's unbelievable.
"The Premier League and Football Foundation need to be very proud of what they're doing and the funds they're putting into grassroots football. They support us in every way... that support opened massive gates for us here. We're a very big club now.
"Although I sit back and I think this is magnificent, one thing that gives me more pleasure is seeing the young boys and girls here, enjoying it and respecting it."
The impressive facilities have enabled Aylestone Park to expand its offering at all age groups. They now have 34 teams and more than 500 players, while Saffron Lane is also home to Leicester City Ladies.
"This place is amazing," says Under-11 manager Kieran Dempsey. "It's not just about the football on the pitch, it brings the community together.
"My lads have been here since they were four. I'm here most days of the week and I'm here all weekend. It's just great to be able to give children the opportunity to play football for the fun and enjoyment, for making friends.
"Without the floodlights, for example, we would have to send them home because it's too dark. We have a lot of teams coming here from the Midlands and they all comment on how good the facilities are. Our lads appreciate how lucky they are.
"It's great that the Premier League and Football Foundation are involved with grassroots clubs. Without that funding, clubs like this wouldn't thrive."
Lineker's visit to Aylestone Park was part of More than a game, a celebration of the Premier League's world-leading investment into all levels of football.
Between 2022 and 2025, the Premier League are investing £1.6 billion into communities and football at all levels to positively impact the lives of millions of people.
"We're a global League but we're very much grounded in the local communities that clubs are in," said Tony Scholes, Premier League Chief Football Officer.
"The money we're able to generate, both domestically but also internationally, means we can invest a significant amount back into the football pyramid - to EFL, National League, women's and grassroots clubs - and into the communities themselves.
"We take our responsibility to provide this funding seriously, to make sure the pyramid is in good condition. We're delighted to be able to come here to Aylestone Park and see where some of that investment goes."
About the Premier League Stadium Fund
Through the Premier League Stadium Fund, more than £207m has been invested into improving the stadiums and facilities of clubs in the EFL, National League System and Women’s Football Pyramid since 2000.
More than 5,900 grants have been provided to more than 1,000 clubs across more than 100 leagues.
