Lincolnshire Football Association and Pitchside Football have agreed a new partnership that will see the Grimsby based company become the county's Official Alternative Football Provision partner.

Pitchside Football offers alternative provision throughout Lincolnshire, providing grassroots teams with opportunities to play at local grounds and stadiums, as well as beach soccer and 3v3 football, all of which can complement traditional league structures. Established as a product-based company in 2013, initially offering “Pitchside Referee Centre” and “Pitchside Score Centre” to grassroots leagues and tournaments, these services are now widely used across the UK. More recently, they have applied their expertise in tournament and league football to develop a summer programme of alternative provision.

Pitchside Football hosts the popular “Score at the Stadium” tournaments this year, held at Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United, and Barton Town Football Clubs, with a few spaces remaining in each. Participants walk down the tunnel to the cheering crowd, have team photos taken, and then compete in the tournament. Every player receives a medal, creating lasting memories.

Acknowledging the growing interest in the female game, Pitchside Football provides opportunities for girls' teams to participate where possible. This includes almost fully subscribed beach soccer girls-only tournaments and transitional style events in July.

3v3 football is gaining popularity, and with Pitchside Football’s inflatable sides, it enables all players to develop their skills in 1v1 scenarios, passing, and dribbling without the emphasis on positions, throw-ins, and goalkeepers. 3v3 provides numerous touches, plenty of goals, and, most importantly, lots of fun. Look out for a 3v3 event organised with Lincolnshire FA in the summer.

Jake Park, Head of Football Development at Lincolnshire FA, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we’re able to offer 3v3 football to children & young people in Lincolnshire. It’s a fantastic format of the game, the players always leave the pitch smiling and that is what football at mini-soccer level should be about; fun & enjoyment. The inflatable pitches mean that every player is always involved in the game, keeping them engaged and keeping them having fun. The partnership we have developed with Pitchside Football is very important to us, the vision to be at the forefront of delivering innovative & fun football experiences is shared across both organisations."

Benn Cass, Director of Pitchside Football, said: "We’re delighted to have partnered with Lincolnshire Football Association as their non-traditional partner. We have worked closely with them for a number of years, and with our values aligned, it made perfect sense to collaborate. We are passionate about ensuring children have fun while playing football, and by providing these alternative tournaments and events, we can ensure this happens in unique and exciting ways."

Chris Funnell, Head of Football Operations at Lincolnshire FA, said: “Our renewed approach to commercial partnerships is exciting new territory for us as the County Football Association but also for our existing and prospective new partnerships. 

As such, I’m delighted that Pitchside Football has joined the Lincolnshire FA as one of our commercial partners. We've been working with Benn and has team for a number of years now to deliver 3v3 Festivals around the County throughout the summer, which sees all players who took part leave with a smile on their face and a medal around their neck, and has proved immensely beneficial for them so we're very much looking forward to continuing this relationship with Pitchside to deliver these opportunities.”

Pitchside Football are excited to be gearing up to invite teams to join them for their “Score at the Stadium” tournaments, allowing young players to participate in a competition on the pitch of a local stadium!

The tournaments will be held at Lincoln City, Barton Town, and Scunthorpe United respectively. 

• Line your team up to walk down the tunnel having their team name called as they enter the pitch to match day music then line up for your team photo on the pitch and with the club mascot.
• Play a minimum of 60 minutes game time on the main pitch and ALL players receive a participation medal, runners up medal or winners medal and trophy on our show stage!
• Tour the changing rooms during breaks in your session.
• Some matches filmed throughout the day and our official photographers will be on site to capture those special moments.

There are only a few places left across these tournaments with entries closing soon so don't delay in signing up!

If you’d like to find out more about Pitchside Football, sign up for their events, or explore what they can offer for your own tournaments, click here.

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