Posted on 14th Jan
Newark Brazil FC has seen its playing field transformed after being identified by Specsavers’ Best Worst Pitch initiative as one of 50 clubs in most need of support.
The football club has now received professional line-marking equipment, GPS pitch mapping technology, and expert maintenance training to make their playing facilities visible once again.
Having been without a permanent home since the closure of the Flowserve Sports and Social Club in 2019, the club impressed Specsavers with its unwavering commitment and community spirit, despite facing significant challenges in maintaining pitch quality across their multiple sites at Claypole Community Park.
As a result, Newark Brazil FC, along with clubs from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will now benefit from the campaign, which aims to tackle one of the most-pressing issues facing grassroots football in the UK — poor pitch conditions.
The responsibility for maintaining club pitches increasingly falls on dedicated volunteers, often using outdated or inadequate equipment.
Steve ‘SOS’ Parr (pictured), the 71-year-old groundskeeper, coach and stalwart of Newark Brazil FC, who keeps the club’s pitches in shape, said the new equipment was already having a positive impact, adding: “Pitch maintenance had been challenging.
“The old line marker was more than 50 years-old, and it would take me at least three hours to mark out one pitch.
“Now, with the new equipment we’ve been given, it takes me less than 10 minutes. It’s going to be a game changer!’
Stuart Franks, club chairman, said: ‘This is absolutely massive for Newark Brazil FC. We’ve been working tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for our young players, but maintaining quality pitch markings across our sites has been an ongoing struggle, especially without a permanent home.
“To be selected as one of 50 clubs from across the entire UK is testament to the dedication of our volunteers who turn up week after week, rain or shine, to keep our pitches playable.
“This equipment will make a transformational difference to our club and the young footballers we serve.”
The Best Worst Pitch initiative was launched by Specsavers in partnership with football legend Gary Neville. It builds on the brand’s long-standing commitment to grassroots football through its Best Worst Team campaign.
Over the past four seasons, Specsavers has documented the journeys of struggling grassroots teams.
Neil Liddle, brand partnerships and sponsorships lead at Specsavers, said: “Since we have been 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.
“Clubs like Newark Brazil, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, despite not having a permanent home, embody what grassroots football is all about.
“This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities across the UK. By making faded lines more visible, we’re helping players see the beautiful game more clearly.”
Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch, enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play.
For Newark Brazil FC, whose teams compete in the Young Elizabethan League and cup competitions across the East Midlands, the improved pitch markings will provide a significant boost to the training session and match experience for players, coaches, and officials alike.
Founded in 2009, the club’s ethos of ‘It’s their game – let them play’ has seen it grow into a family-oriented organisation serving more than 300 players, parents, and siblings across multiple age groups, all supported by FA-qualified coaches dedicated to helping every player reach their full potential.
To learn more about the initiative, go to Specsavers’ social pages.
To watch Newark Brazil’s transformation film, go to www.instagram.com/p/DTe84nTDMU1 and www.facebook.com/share/v/1DEJ3vq4mY
