Dean Russell honors Everett Rovers' dedicated volunteers

This came as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service in fostering grassroots football.

The invitees, Andy Tyers, who is the chairman, David Preedy, the deputy chairman, and Wayne Frost, the treasurer of Everett Rovers, joined other Community Sport Champions from across the UK to celebrate their role in supporting grassroots community sports.

MP Russell said: "I was delighted to invite Andy, Dave and Wayne from Everett Rovers to Downing Street and meet the DCMS Secretary of State.

"I was pleased that the efforts to promote their bid for the astroturf proved successful and it has been great to see the completion of their amazing artificial grass pitch.

"I know first-hand how passionately everyone at Everrett Rovers cares about our community.

"Everyone involved volunteers their own time to make the club a special part of our community, so I was over the moon that representatives from the Club were able to join me in Downing Street so the Minister could personally thank them and the wider club for all they are doing for sport and the community in Watford."

The commendation followed the Rovers' successful bid for over £834,000 from the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme.

The funding aimed to promote community engagement, improve both physical and mental health and nurture sporting talent across the area.

The government initiative sees £68million allocated to more than 1,700 new and enhanced multi-sports facilities throughout the country.

Mr Tyers, Mr Preedy, and Mr Frost said: "We would like to thank Dean for inviting us to the Downing Street reception with Lucy Frazer MP.

"We had a great evening, especially with Dean giving us a personal tour of number 10 and The Houses of Parliament.

"A fantastic experience for all of us. The 3G is proving to be a great success with the local community and groups similar to ours in the Watford area using the pitch 7 days a week day and night."