Wealden Community Sports Hub starts taking shape as two FIFA standard football pitches completed

The hub is being built on a site owned by Wealden District Council to give residents in the district more sports facilities, using a £3.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

The community sports hub will be operated by Leisure United when completed.

The 3G floodlit football pitches have been completed to FIFA quality - one is 106 x 70m with spectator standing area, the other is 97 x 61m. Both are suitable for 11 aside and smaller sided games.

The main structure of the padel court is also now complete. The perimeter footpath and soft landscaping is ongoing.

Reception area desk and café counters have been installed.

The skatepark is planned for completion this month.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said: “The Wealden Sports Hub has made huge progress over the last few months, with the completion of our FIFA quality football pitches marking a major milestone for the project.

"These pitches will provide a high-standard, year-round facility for local clubs, matches and residents, helping to address a clear shortage of quality football provision in the area.

"Alongside this, the kitchen and café space and the skate park are nearing completion, and new car parking has been delivered. This development is about far more than sport. It’s about encouraging active lifestyles, promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing, and creating a space that is supporting the heart of our community.”

Mark Coulson, Leisure United Chief Executive Officer, said: “Leisure United is delighted to be operating the Wealden Community Sports Hub and is excited to see the completion of the two FIFA-quality 3G pitches.

"These facilities will provide high-quality, year-round opportunities for local clubs, groups and residents to take part in football and other activities.

“We look forward to bringing the wider Hub to life and creating an inclusive, welcoming space that supports health, wellbeing and community participation across Wealden.”

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 are now well underway to deliver The Wealden Community Sports Hub and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.”