Colchester City Council is pleased to announce the completion of upgrades to football facilities at Mile End Sports Ground, Shrub End Sports Ground and Lexden King George Playing Field, thanks to a £14,700 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
In July 2024, the Council was awarded the grant to procure 13 new sets of mobile football goals. These modern, mobile goals have now been installed and replace the existing corroded and damaged equipment, marking a significant improvement in the quality of local football infrastructure. The mobility of the new goals will help minimise pitch wear, as they can be easily moved and securely stored when not in use.
The new goals are expected to benefit a range of local teams, including those from the Colchester Sunday League, local youth football clubs and nearby schools. By enhancing the quality of the pitches and reducing wear, these upgrades aim to reduce the number of cancelled matches, ensuring a more consistent playing experience for local teams and fostering community engagement.
The project has also been supported by an additional £21,000 from Section 106 funding, a levy imposed on developers to enhance local infrastructure. This combined investment reflects a strong commitment to improving grassroots sports facilities across Colchester.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods, and Leisure at Colchester City Council, said: “This investment in new mobile football goals is a fantastic boost for our community sports grounds. It not only enhances the quality of our pitches but also ensures that local teams have access to the best possible facilities for training and matches. We are grateful to the Football Foundation for their support, which helps us provide high-quality, sustainable sports amenities for everyone in Colchester.”
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.
“We’re delighted that works have now been completed to deliver these new mobile goals at Mile End Sports Ground, Shrub End Sports Ground and Lexden King George Playing Field and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.”
Page last reviewed: 4 March 2025