Football Facilities In Cheshire East: Exciting Plans On Our Doorstep

As parents, coaches, and active participants in grassroots football based in Macclesfield, we were excited to dive into the Local Football Facility Plan (LFFP) for Cheshire East. This ambitious programme, spearheaded by the Football Foundation in collaboration with Cheshire East Council and local stakeholders, will vastly improve the region's football facilities.

For us, it’s not just about football; it’s about supporting our kids, their friends, and the broader community in their passion for the beautiful game. Here’s our summary of the report that has recently been released.

The Vision for Grassroots Football

The LFFP outlines a clear goal: to enhance the quality, inclusivity, and accessibility of football facilities in Cheshire East. The biggest priority in the plan is improving grass pitches across the region. Did you know that poor-quality pitches lead to over 150,000 match postponements annually in England? Locally, several sites are already benefiting from this initiative, with grants and equipment provided to ensure pitches remain playable year-round. Key locations like King George V Playing Fields in Crewe and Jim Evison Playing Fields in Wilmslow have seen significant improvements—and there’s more to come.

If you’re involved in a local club or league, you might want to explore tools like the PitchPower app, a handy resource for assessing pitch quality and unlocking funding opportunities.

Game-Changing 3G Pitches

For those who’ve experienced match cancellations due to waterlogged grass pitches, 3G artificial turf pitches (FTPs) are a game changer. The LFFP identifies areas in need of 3G pitches, including Macclesfield, Poynton, and Wilmslow. These all-weather surfaces ensure football can continue whatever the weather and are particularly popular for training sessions and league matches.

As coaches, we’re thrilled to see the emphasis on creating high-quality, accessible spaces. The plan aims to cater to the growing demand for women’s football, disability football, and other underrepresented groups, ensuring everyone has a chance to play.

PlayZones: Exciting New Developments

Small-sided games are a vital part of football development, and the introduction of PlayZones is an exciting element of the LFFP. These multi-sport spaces are designed for recreational football and other activities, targeting key groups such as women, girls, and lower socio-economic communities. By collaborating with other sports, these spaces aim to bring communities together, encouraging more people to stay active.

Imagine having a vibrant, safe space for kids to play—just a stone’s throw from home. PlayZones are more than just pitches; they’re hubs for community activity and inclusion.

Off-Pitch Facilities: More Than Changing Rooms

While pitch quality is essential, the LFFP also highlights the importance of off-pitch facilities such as clubhouses, changing rooms, and community spaces. These facilities create welcoming environments for players, spectators, and volunteers alike. With the growth of women’s football, ensuring these spaces cater to female players is crucial.

Locally, sites like Sutton Lane Playing Fields in Middlewich and Deva Playing Fields are set to benefit from such investments, making them not just football venues but community hubs.

Why This Matters to Us

As parents of football-mad kids and volunteers at local clubs, as well as speaking with so many customers locally involved with grassroots football, we see firsthand and hear about the impact that quality facilities have on young players. Whether it’s the thrill of scoring on a pristine pitch or the camaraderie built in the clubhouse, these moments shape more than just footballers—they build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

With our local football community at the heart of this transformation, we’re proud to champion these developments. The LFFP isn’t just about football; it’s about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and fostering a love for sport that lasts a lifetime.

If you’re as passionate about grassroots football as we are, there's no time like the present to get more involved. Be more than just a parent or guardian, if you can, step up and volunteer some time with your local club, a little extra support can make a huge difference.

 

For more details on the Cheshire East Local Football Facility Plan, check out the full report on the Football Foundation’s website.