Transformative funding for Leisure United at Friar Park marks new era for community sport in Wednesbury

Leisure United at Friar Park: A Community Asset for Generations

The redevelopment of Leisure United at Friar Park represents a new chapter in its legacy of community service. Thanks to collaborative efforts between the school’s governors, the headteacher Mike Smith, and Leisure United, the facility’s future has been safeguarded.

Mike Smith Headteacher at Phoenix Collegiate commented: “In 2022, myself and the school took a backlash from the community when the Pulse soccer centre closed with little notice. Very quickly the school started this ongoing initiative with Leisure United and it demonstrates the power of partnership in addressing community needs and fostering sustainable opportunities for sports and recreation. My thanks go to both the schools governing body and the team at Leisure United that has stayed strong in challenging times, and has worked tirelessly in ensuring a community facility has now been secured for the next 25 years.

The upgraded facilities will provide a welcoming, inclusive space where individuals of all ages and abilities can come together to enjoy football and other activities. The investment also supported through an investment by Sandwell Public Health underscores a commitment to improving access to quality sports infrastructure and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

These investments mark a significant milestone for the Wednesbury sporting landscape. By ensuring top-tier facilities at Leisure United, the funding reinforces the importance of accessible, high-quality sports environments for community well-being and development.

The project team express their heartfelt gratitude to the Football Foundation for their generous support, as well as to all stakeholders whose dedication has made this vision a reality. Together, these efforts will inspire a new generation of athletes and bring communities closer through the joy of sport.

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 Leisure United towards developing the Friar Park site is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”

For more information about the project and their impact on the community, please contact either Leisure United Wednesbury or The Phoenix Collegiate - 0121 588 8384.

About the Football Foundation

The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most.

The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring everyone has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.

Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested more than £1 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,100 3G football turf pitches, 12,000 grass pitches and 1,400 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.3 billion of partnership funding – totalling over £2 billion investment in grassroots football so far.

In partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders, the Foundation has created Local Football Facility Plans for every local authority in England. These Plans act as a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements that each community needs and deserves across the country.

Visit footballfoundation.org.uk for more information on the Foundation and view the plan for your local area.