Residents across Salford can now benefit from free, newly refurbished facilities to get active as part of the Football Foundation PlayZones Programme. Three multi-sport spaces have been upgraded at Ordsall Park, Patricroft Recreation Ground and St Simon Street, with free community sport and activity sessions planned.

The council and Salford Community Leisure have worked in partnership with the Football Foundation to develop the PlayZones, creating spaces that are safe, inclusive and accessible.

Free for the public to use, the PlayZones offer a welcoming space where residents of all ages can enjoy sport, stay active and connect with their local community. While football is the primary focus, the facilities also accommodate a variety of other sports, including basketball, netball, rugby, hockey and walking football.

Using investment from the Premier League, The FA and the Government through Sport England, the PlayZones Programme aims to work with local communities nationwide to create high-quality sports and activity spaces and reduce inequalities in participation.

The Football Foundation, supported by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, has provided Salford City Council with a capital grant covering 75% of the PlayZones project costs. The remaining 25% is being funded through approved Section 106 allocations and an approved UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant award.

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sport & Leisure said: “Thanks to the Football Foundation, we are improving grassroots facilities in Salford, which have a significant positive impact on health and mental wellbeing, while also bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

With a strong emphasis on social value, a key priority is to create inclusive sports facilities that encourage greater participation among women and girls, disabled people, ethnically diverse communities and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

I’m delighted that the new facilities have been shaped in partnership with local communities. That collaborative approach will be fundamental to the success of PlayZones, not only here in Salford, but across the country.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “When it comes to tackling the greatest inequalities to becoming active, the Football Foundation knows a ‘one-size fits all’ approach doesn’t work. That’s why community engagement is at the heart of our PlayZones programme.

“As with all PlayZones, the new facilities in Salford have been shaped by the local community who’ll be able to step out onto the pitch and get active in a way that suits them.

“Thanks to the funding we receive from our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Foundation will be delivering over 200 PlayZones like this one across the country.”

A free online booking system will be launched in the future to manage usage, including sports development activities and coaching session reservations.

Contractor Support in Sport (UK) Limited were awarded £533,890.46 to build the three sports facilities.

More information about the Football Foundation PlayZones programme can be found on their website.