The town of Worcester is preparing for a substantial improvement to its local football facilities, thanks to a generous grant of £600,000 from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation. In addition, Worcester City Council is contributing an extra £200,000 from its own funds to support the project. This significant investment will enable the construction of a state-of-the-art 3G all-weather pitch adjacent to the popular Perdiswell Leisure Centre.
The decision to pursue this development was based on research conducted by the Football Foundation, which highlighted a notable shortage of all-weather facilities in Worcester. This need for a 3G pitch was also identified in the City Council’s 2022 Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy. Once operational, the new pitch will be made available for use by local sports clubs, organizations, and schools, providing a much-needed boost to the local sporting community.
Councillor Jabbar Riaz, Chair of the City Council’s Communities Committee, expressed his gratitude to the Football Foundation for their substantial investment, which is set to significantly enhance the city’s sports facilities. With the necessary planning permissions in place, the council is eager to commence construction in the near future and aims to have the 3G pitch open to the public later this year. The introduction of this new all-weather facility is expected to greatly expand sporting opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, further establishing Worcester as a prominent regional sporting destination.
Jack Handsaker, Football Development Officer at Worcestershire FA, also welcomed the collaboration with the Football Foundation and Worcester City Council. He emphasized the potential for the new 3G pitch at Perdiswell to broaden access to high-quality, all-weather playing surfaces for both match play and training, benefiting the local football community across all age groups.
In echoing this sentiment, Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, highlighted the organization’s commitment to transforming grassroots facilities across England in partnership with the Premier League, The FA, and the Government. Emphasizing the positive impact of quality playing facilities on physical and mental well-being, as well as their role in building stronger communities, Sullivan described the grant award to Worcester City Council as a fantastic development that will provide more individuals with access to exceptional sporting facilities.
Overall, the investment in revamping football facilities in Worcester represents a significant step towards enriching the local sports landscape and creating opportunities for people to engage in physical activity. With the support of key stakeholders and a clear plan for implementation, the upcoming all-weather pitch at Perdiswell is poised to make a lasting impact on the community, promoting health, well-being, and a sense of togetherness.