Bradford Council has committed £7 million towards significant improvements in several sports facilities across Bradford. Additional funding is anticipated from the Premier League, The FA, and the Football Foundation, supported by the Government.
This financial support forms a key component of the council’s expansive Sports Pitches Investment Programme. This initiative has already witnessed substantial collaborative investments in sports facilities throughout the district, including the establishment of the Wyke Community Sports Village in 2022.
The allocated funds will be utilised for substantial upgrades at the Marley Activities and Coaching Centre in Keighley, as well as enhancements at Myra Shay Recreation Ground, various football and cricket venues, council-owned grass pitches, and several Play Zones. Additionally, plans are underway for a second 3G pitch at the Wyke Sports Village.
Bradford Council is among the initial six councils in the country selected to vie for funding from the Football Foundation’s Hubs Programme pilot. Applications for the Hubs and other developments are slated for submission to the Foundation for funding consideration within the next 18 months.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places at Bradford Council met with the Football Foundation’s CEO Robert Sullivan for a tour of Wyke Community Sports Village and to discuss the plans for investment.
She said, “The success of this wonderful facility in Wyke has shown what we can do with the right investment.
“Access to good sports pitches like we have here and at similar facilities across the district is a vital part of our ambition of supporting people’s health and wellbeing. I’m excited to see what can be delivered thanks to the Foundation’s commitment to Bradford in terms of new projects and improvements to existing services.”
Robert Sullivan CEO of the Football Foundation said, “It was fantastic to join Cllr Sarah Ferriby at the Wyke Community Sports Village to celebrate our partnership with Bradford Council. It is a fantastic facility that we’ve already invested in alongside the Council.
“Bradford Council are a great partner, and their £ 7 million investment alongside funding from the Football Foundation will create a new generation of great community sports facilities across the city. Thanks to our funding partners the Premier League, The FA and Government the Football Foundation is working to deliver brilliant facilities across the country like this so that everyone can have access to great places to play.”
This funding is part of a broader investment programme that also sees contributions from other partners such as the Lawn Tennis Association, England and Wales Cricket Board, and Rugby Football League, among others.
