People living in Worcester are set to benefit from fresh investment into local football facilities thanks to a £600,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government's Football Foundation.
The investment of an additional £200,000 by Worcester City Council from its own funds will enable the creation of a brand new 3G all-weather pitch on land next to the city's popular Perdiswell Leisure Centre.
Research by the Football Foundation had previously shown a shortfall in all-weather facilities in Worcester, and the need for a 3G pitch was also identified in the City Council's Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy, compiled in 2022.
Once open, the new pitch will be available for use by local sports clubs, organisations and schools.
Councillor Jabbar Riaz, Chair of the City Council's Communities Committee, said:
"On behalf of Worcester City Council, I would like to thank the Football Foundation for this significant investment, that will bring a major boost to our city's sports offering.
"Planning permission is already in place, so we hope to get construction underway in the very near future and have the 3G pitch open later this year.
"This new all-weather facility will be open every day, bringing a dramatic expansion in opportunities for people of all ages and from all walks of life to get fit and play more sport in Worcester, cementing our position as a regional sporting destination."
Jack Handsaker, Football Development Officer at Worcestershire FA, said:
"Worcestershire FA is pleased to work with both the Football Foundation and Worcester City Council to develop a new, all-weather 3G pitch at Perdiswell. Already hosting community grassroots football across all age groups on the venues grass pitches, this new additional provision will increase the access our community clubs have to a quality all-weather playing surface for both match play and training.
"The local football community will benefit as a result of this investment and we look forward to supporting our clubs further once the facility is open to the public."
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:
"The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
"Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
"This grant award to Worcester City Council towards developing the new all-weather pitch at Perdiswell is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play."
