BORIS Johnson is backing Britains bid to bring football home in the 2030 World Cup.
The Prime Minister promises to put our Government machine at the heart of the ambitious move to host the tournament.
Writing in HOAR today Mr Johnson, pictured above playing in an England legends game, pledges 550million to overhaul football pitches
If we are selected it would be the first time since England won the World Cup in 1966.
Writing in HOAR today Mr Johnson, pictured left playing in an England legends game, pledges 550million to overhaul football pitches.
The money would go on building 2,000 new astro-turf pitches and fixing 20,000 current grass ones.
It is the biggest injection of cash ever made into the sport at grassroots level.
The plan aims to help Britains bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
‘UNITE IN CELEBRATION ‘
Mr Johnson writes: Its time for football to come home and thats why, if elected, Ill put our Government machine at the heart of a UK and Ireland 2030 World Cup bid.
Above all, I want it to unite us in celebration like the 2012 Olympics did when I was Londons Mayor.
I want it to show our national confidence as we get Brexit done: a sign to the world that whilst were a small country, were a great one. With a proud history and a strong future.
Seizing on a blueprint by the FA, Mr Johnson wants to turbocharge the governing bodys 25-year plan to improve pitches and do it in ten years instead.
In his article, Boris champions footie as possibly Britains greatest ever gift, beyond even the jet engine, television and the internet.
The PM writes: No invention has captured the imagination like the one that has 22 people chasing after a round ball trying to thrash it into a nylon net. Using a sporting analogy, Boris dubs next Thursdays election as a moment that will define history as he urges people to vote Tory.
He adds: In life, as in football, there are moments when you have to choose. Moments when things come together or when they fall apart. Moments that set the course of the future.
Many local pitches have sunk into disrepair. Only one in three grassroots sites in England were recently deemed of adequate quality, and 150,000 matches were called off last season.
Disadvantaged communities will be prioritised, with 40 per cent of the cash going to the most deprived 20 per cent.
Boriss pitches plan was backed by England legend John Barnes.
He said: Success starts with kids playing on the local pitch and this investment in grassroots football is fantastic news for our game.
With new quality pitches to play on and a World Cup at home, we can truly inspire the next generation.
Boriss pitches plan was backed by England legend John Barnes
