Kick off for refurbished 3G Pitch at Blackpool's Stanley Park

A new 3G pitch at Stanley Park in Blackpool has been officially opened.

The new facility, which will be managed by Active Blackpool, boasts a state-of-the art floodlit 3G pitch following a £500k investment by the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation as well as Blackpool Council.

It will provide opportunities for people to engage in grassroots sports, offer schools and community sessions and encourage members of the community to partake in physical activity and develop an active lifestyle.

The pitch was officially opened by two Manchester City girls players Emma Siddell & Bethany Strutton who were also joined by school children playing in a local schools football festival.

See our interview with Martin Cardwell, the Centre Manager at Blackpool Leisure Centre at Stanley Park:

Cllr Jo Farrell, Cabinet Member for Levelling Up (People) at Blackpool Council, said:

“The reopening of this pitch holds great opportunities for all of us. Grassroots sports have been steadily gaining popularity each year, thanks in large part to the outstanding efforts of our national teams. Take the Lionesses, for example, whose remarkable journey in the World Cup earlier this year ignited even more interest in the sport.

“I’m excited to see how the sport continues to develop in our town over the years, we’re so lucky to have such incredible facilities on our doorstep to give our players the very best opportunity to develop their skills.”

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.

“We’re delighted that the local community in Blackpool will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Stanley Park.”