Multi-million pound programme to expand grassroots sport in West Yorkshire

Plans to boost access to high-quality grassroots sports facilities across West Yorkshire will be discussed by regional leaders today (6 March), as part of a proposed multi-million pound investment into new all-weather pitches. 
 
Spearheaded by Mayor Tracy Brabin’s flagship commitment to transform access to grassroots sport across the region, the programme aims to break down barriers to participation and ensure communities have facilities fit for the future. 
 
At least one new third-generation (3G) artificial grass pitch is proposed for each of West Yorkshire’s five districts, representing a potential £5.5 million investment into the region’s health, young people and local clubs. 
 
Designed to operate year-round, each pitch could host around 80 hours of activity every week, supporting approximately 1,000 people through grassroots teams, schools and community groups. 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Grassroots sport has the power to change lives, but for too long, access to quality facilities has been out of reach for the people who would benefit the most.

“I promised every young person would have access to grassroots sport to level the playing field.

“By working together to bring modern, all-weather pitches to every district, we are backing our local clubs and creating healthier communities in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.” 
 
Following today’s discussion, the programme will be developed in partnership with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, West Riding County Football Association, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the region’s five local authorities. 
 
The investment will be targeted to widen access for women and girls, disabled people, people from ethnically diverse communities and residents in low-income areas, where facilities are often hardest to access. Local jobs, volunteering opportunities and skills pathways, such as coaching and officiating, are also expected to be created through the programme.
 
The new high-quality pitches will incorporate energy-efficient lighting, sustainable drainage, biodiversity improvements and climate-resilient surfaces. 

Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation, said: 

"Since 2000 the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation has been delivering great places to play in communities across the country. 

"To ensure we're providing the facilities where they are needed most we've worked in partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders, to create Local Football Facility Plans for every local authority in the county. The Local Plans for the West Yorkshire authorities identified a significant shortfall of 3G pitches across the region. 

“We are excited to be working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Yorkshire Sport Foundation to understand where we might be able to support with the delivery of 3G pitches to people that need them most - ensuring healthier, more connected communities across the region." 

Carl Hawkes, Yorkshire Sport Foundation CEO, said: 

"This powerful collaboration between local and national partners will deliver high-quality facilities for grassroots sport across West Yorkshire. 

"Facilities will prioritise underserved communities, particularly in areas of low income and opportunities for women and girls. 

"This will help more people of all ages to enjoy safe and inclusive high-quality spaces to be active.

"Each site will work closely with its local community, to shape a programme of activity that creates meaningful and sustainable opportunities for people to get involved."