Burnholme Sports Centre will be receiving a new upgraded, full-sized FIFA Quality 3G football pitch, subject to planning permission being achieved, following approval.
As well as replacing the existing seven-a-side pitch, the changing facilities will also be upgraded and amenity grassland around the pitch will also be retained and maintained which will add a biodiversity gain of 10% to the land.
The majority of the costs will be met by a £709k grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s, Football Foundation, who deliver outstanding grassroots sports facilities in communities where the impact will be felt most strongly, with further funding from GLL, who manage and operate the Burnholme facility.
The remaining £100,000 will come from the announced budget proposal which was accepted and passed at the latest full City of York Council meeting on Wednesday, September 9th.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said:
“Following York City’s promotion, this is yet another great football win for the city.
“This investment will see a brand-new full-sized pitch, which means more people of all ages and abilities, get to play football on a FIFA quality 3G surface.
“We know there is huge demand in the city from players officials and supporters for more state-of-the-art football pitches and we expect the improved facilities to be used for over 50 hours a week.
“That’s 2,500 hours a year to be enjoyed by all types of footballers be they walking, disabled, casual or league teams.
“Who knows? Maybe the next Lionel Messi or Lucy Bronze will be playing their first football right here at Burnholme Sports Centre.”
Paul Bickle, GLL’s Partnership Manager for York:
“The joint tender with GLL, City of York Council and the Football Foundation is testament to the strong partnership working that has developed across the city and will allow us to continue to deliver significant investment in sport and active leisure for local communities.
“As a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-operative, we are committed to reinvesting in the facilities and communities we serve.
“This major investment will help transform the existing multi-use games area, making way for a full-size 3G pitch that will provide a first-class environment for grassroots football. It will support local clubs, players and coaches, while creating greater opportunities to meet the growing demand for women’s and girls’ football.
“The improvements will help safeguard the site’s long-term future and ensure it can better serve local communities for years to come, creating enhanced, high-quality all-weather facilities for people of all ages and abilities.”
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.
“This grant award to Burnholme Sports Centre towards developing a brand new, full-size 3G pitch is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”