Grassroots sport in West Leeds has been given a champion boost with the opening of a multi-million pound community football facility.
The finishing touches were put to Calverley’s Leeds City Council and Football Foundation-backed Woodhall Sports Hub – which is also suitable for rugby – last Thursday (September 10) after nearly a year of work.
And by Saturday morning its pitches were open, in use and buzzing with the sound of crunching tackles, offside appeals and goal celebrations.
The £9.6m complex has been developed by the council in partnership with the Premier League, the FA and the Government’s Football Foundation.
The Foundation provided a £5.4m grant towards the facility through its Hubs programme, which works to deliver enhanced sporting opportunities in towns and cities nationwide.
Woodhall – which will have an official opening event next month – boasts an 8.3-hectare site including three full-sized and floodlit 3G pitches and two grass pitches.
Other amenities include outdoor play areas for younger visitors, while improved walking and running routes make it an attractive location for people wanting to keep fit outside of a team sports environment.
Open seven days a week, the complex is home to a new pavilion incorporating a community-friendly café and meeting space in addition to changing rooms and toilets.
Funded by the council and the Football Foundation with support from section 106 developer contributions and the private sector, the Hub has been built on a former university sports ground off Woodhall Lane.
It is being managed by the National Football Trust, with its day-to-day running handled by the Leisure United charity.
The pitches are available for general hire, with a particular emphasis being placed on attracting women’s and junior clubs from the local area. All surplus income generated will be reinvested in outdoor sports provision across the city.
The opening will also help address a shortfall of pitches in and around Calverley, with many teams having struggled in recent years to secure suitable spots for regular training sessions or matches.
Councillor Salma Arif, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, said: “The Woodhall Sports Hub is a fantastic asset for Leeds and I’m absolutely delighted that it is now open.
“What has been achieved here is testament to the power of partnership working, with the Football Foundation, National Football Trust, Leisure United and others all lining up alongside the council and making something very special happen.”
Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that the local community across west Leeds will now be able to better access the many benefits of grassroots sports thanks to the new facilities at the Woodhall Sports Hub.
“Our Hubs programme provides safe and accessible facilities that have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and bring people together, through football and other sports and activities, to strengthen local communities.”
Mark Coulson, Leisure United chief executive officer, said: “Woodhall Sports Hub has been designed as a community asset for everyone – with outdoor play areas, improved walking and running routes and a welcoming café and meeting space, the Hub can support people of all ages and backgrounds to be more active, connect with others and enjoy the benefits of sport.
“It’s rewarding to help provide greater capacity for grassroots sport in Calverley and the surrounding communities. As a not-for-profit operator, we’re also proud that surplus income from the Hub will be reinvested into outdoor sports provision across Leeds, helping more people and groups benefit in the years ahead.
“Woodhall Sports Hub is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership, and we’re excited to play our part in making this facility a long-term asset for the community.”
For further information about Woodhall Sports Hub, including booking arrangements and prices, e-mail info.woodhall@leisureunited.com.
Plans for the long-delayed development were first submitted in 2020 years ago and have been developed by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Football Foundation as part of their national Parklife (Sports Hubs) programme.
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