Sport England has appointed almost £10m for changing room facilities and grass pitches in the first round of a four-year investment programme in grassroots sport projects.

Thirty-eight community facilities are set to benefit from the funding, such as Hampshire's largest amateur sports club, Trojans, which will get £175,000 towards an artificial hockey pitch.

The facility will get new floodlights, fencing and an improved spectator area.

Other projects include a revamp of derelict sports courts in Southwark, London and the conversion of a disused catering space in Mansfield's Water Meadows Swimming Pool into changing rooms.

Research by Sport England found improving changing rooms and grass pitches would have the most immediate impact on local users.

Between now and 2017 the government agency will contribute £45m of lottery funding to medium-sized community projects.

Sport England property director Charles Johnston said: "As the research shows people have a better experience of sport when the facilities are good both on and off the pitch.

"These investments in artificial grass pitches and swimming pool changing rooms will have a big impact on sport in local communities."