Powerleague, the original and leading provider of small-sided football in the UK, officially revealed a new state-of-the-art community football facility in Bradford yesterday. The unveiling drew the presence of Powerleague representatives, alongside the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker, Bradford City FC goalkeeper Harry Lewis, and former Bradford City FC midfielder Paul Bolland.
Formerly known as SportZone, the facility is the 42nd Powerleague club to open across the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. It will grant the Bradford community and its surrounding areas access to seven football pitches, along with an upgraded club and bar area. All seven pitches have been surfaced with Powerleague’s exclusive POWERPITCH Plus technology, offering players an experience reminiscent of elite-level games. Available for booking now, these pitches will host a variety of activities, including casual community play, structured league matches, kids coaching, holiday camps, and tailored bookings for groups ranging from schools and football clubs to community organizations like the Bradford City Community Foundation.
Bradford City FC first team player, Harry Lewis, was one of the first to test out the new surfaces, commenting; “The pitches are high-quality and it’s just good to see the kids running around having a good time and playing football. We have a Powerleague facility back where I’m from and I used to love having my birthday parties there. It’s great to see facilities like this and young people getting involved in playing football in Bradford.”
Fomer Bradford City FC midfielder, Paul Bolland, who grew up just three miles from the new facility added; “I think that it’s an outstanding facility. Coming from Bradford, I know the area well and there’s going to be so many opportunities here – whether it’s out here on the pitches or inside the clubhouse. To have this available and on the doorstep for the locals to come and enjoy everything from junior football to adult leagues, it’s just brilliant and I’m sure there are lots of people that will come and take advantage.”
The clubhouse features a spacious club and bar area with an extensive selection of soft and alcoholic beverages, along with a food menu. Locals also have access to a pool table and three screens showing Sky and TNT Sport. Adjacent to the bar, a function space caters to private gatherings such as christenings, weddings, and birthday parties.
These new facilities will provide an accessible, affordable, and inclusive space for year-round use, regardless of weather conditions. Powerleague encourages people of all ages and abilities to explore the offerings at the club. The opening event provided a glimpse of this, with children and adults enjoying free coaching sessions, a football darts experience, and promotional offers at the bar and club provided by Powerleague on the night.
Christian Rose, CEO of Powerleague, said; “I’m delighted to see the opening of our 42nd Powerleague club here in Bradford. Powerleague are committed to offering communities across the country opportunities to access quality sports facilities and I have no doubt that people of all ages and abilities will enjoy all this fantastic club has to offer. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of the local area to our club and to experience the physical, mental and social impact that playing football has been shown to have on people’s lives.”
For further information about Powerleague Bradford, including details on pitch bookings, kids’ parties and camps, or the bar and function space, please visit the Powerleague website at https://www.powerleague.com/ or email bradford@powerleague.co.uk.
