Greater Manchester borough to spend £1.35m on new sports pitches

Five new football pitches will be built across the Rochdale borough thanks to a £1.35m cash boost.

Work has started to deliver Football Foundation PlayZones in all five townships across the borough. The pitches are small-sided facilities designed to host football and other sports for the local community.

The first four pitches are already earmarked for Milnrow Memorial Park, Stoneyfield Park, the bottom of South Street, Back o' th' Moss in Heywood, and the King George V playing fields in Middleton.

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The cash injection comes from grant funding provided by the Premier League, the FA, and the government’s Football Foundation, along with local partnership and council funding. The project is being led by Rochdale AFC Community Trust and the council.

The overall aim is to get more people playing sports, no matter their background, gender, age or ability in fun, recreational activities. It is hoped this will improve physical and mental health as well as reducing anti-social behaviour.

Ryan Bradley, Community Director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said: “When we first heard of this available funding stream from the Football Foundation we knew it would be a perfect fit for Rochdale.

"Together with Rochdale Borough Council and Your Trust, we formed a consortium to take us through a thorough consultation, bidding and design process that has taken close to three years to complete.

"With the help of many stakeholders, we feel we have a portfolio of facilities coming online that will be a huge boost to people across Rochdale.”

All PlayZones will feature the highest quality surface for football and other sports, as well