Rochdale Borough to spend £1.35m on new sports pitches

The pitches are small-sided facilities designed to host football and other sports for the local community.

Five new football pitches will be built across the Rochdale borough thanks to a £1.35m cash boost.

Work has started to deliver Football Foundation PlayZones in all five townships across the borough. The pitches are small-sided facilities designed to host football and other sports for the local community.

The first four pitches are already earmarked for Milnrow Memorial Park, Stoneyfield Park, the bottom of South Street, Back o’ th’ Moss in Heywood, and the King George V playing fields in Middleton.

The cash injection comes from grant funding provided by the Premier League, the FA, and the government’s Football Foundation, along with local partnership and council funding. The project is being led by Rochdale AFC Community Trust and the council. 

The overall aim is to get more people playing sports, no matter their background, gender, age or ability in fun, recreational activities. It is hoped this will improve physical and mental health as well as reducing anti-social behaviour.

Ryan Bradley, community director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said: “When we first heard of this available funding stream from the Football Foundation we knew it would be a perfect fit for Rochdale.

“Together with Rochdale Borough Council and Your Trust, we formed a consortium to take us through a thorough consultation, bidding and design process that has taken close to three years to complete.

“With the help of many stakeholders, we feel we have a portfolio of facilities coming online that will be a huge boost to people across Rochdale.”

All PlayZones will feature the highest quality surface for football and other sports, as well as new/upgraded floodlighting, new fencing, spectator areas and pitch equipment in new, modern designs. 

Every site will offer a balanced mix of coach-led sessions, community group bookings, and open slots for use by residents free of charge which can be booked online. 

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, portfolio holder for climate change and environment, said: “The Football Foundation PlayZone project provides much-needed capital funds for our informal sports pitches.

“Sites have been identified through community consultation and the holistic approach from consortium members means that the design and operation of each site is tailored specifically to serve the needs of the community in that locality.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter