Blackpool’s football pitch at Stanley Park to receive funding
Written by John Williamson on 14/03/2023
Football in Blackpool has seen a significant growth, with a particular increase in youth teams. – and now Stanley Park has secured funding to refurbish its all weather pitch.
Recent data shows that since 2019, 80 new teams have been set up, with over 40 of these specifically for women and girls.
To support this increase, funding for the refurbishment of Stanley Park’s all weather pitch has been secured from the Football Foundation.
The refurbishment, due to start in spring will see a state of the art floodlit 3G Football pitch, which will provide opportunities for the Blackpool Community to be more active.
Antony Barrot, Founder of Blackpool Football Therapy CIC said, “We have been using the 3G pitches now for over two years, four times a week. We cannot wait to have the newly refurbed pitches laid so we can get on them. Stanley Park sports centre management and staff have always been so welcoming and accommodating and the refurbishment will change everything for us so that we can continue to get people out of the house to improve their mental wellbeing.”
This investment will support local grassroots football clubs to further develop across the town. With the Women’s World Cup taking place this summer, and the UEFA Euros in 2024, there will be plenty of inspiration and opportunities to get involved in the beautiful game.
Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Parks said, “This investment into the 3G pitch at Stanley Park will undoubtedly bring more families into the park, which is fantastic. With the recently renovated children’s play area located close to the 3G pitch, and the beautiful views on offer in our award winning park in every direction, I’m looking forward to seeing the hive of activity brought by these refurbishments spill out into the wider park.”
The 3G Pitch at Stanley Park isn’t the only project underway, with considerable investment in Blackpool from the Football Foundation, contributing to the new state-of-the-art facilities at Common Edge Community Sports Village and investment into Grass pitches at Boundary Park, both of which will see new, and exiting clubs gain access to fantastic facilities, including new pitches for play and changing rooms/showers.
The new facility at Common Edge is due to open in late Spring, and will be home to grass pitches, a 3G pitch and also a rugby pitch with a changing room facility on site.
Cllr Jo Farrell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, and Community Health and Wellbeing said, “I’m delighted to see the investment in more of our outdoor sporting facilities. The work which is being carried out will see more opportunities for people across Blackpool, regardless of their age or ability to join in with football, as well as other outdoor based sports and physical activities.
“I am looking forward to watching sports thrive across our town, by providing opportunities and safe spaces for people to find ways they can keep active.
“There are so many benefits from partaking in a physical activity outside, for both physical and mental health and I am pleased that more members of our communities will be able to reap these benefits for themselves. “
