New football pitch the first facility to open ahead of Moredon Sporting Hub completion

While work will be continuing on the multi-sports hub over the next few months to create the new pavilion, cycle tracks and car parking, the football pitch has been completed for use by local clubs.

The pitch itself can host:

• A full-size 11-a-side pitch
• Two nine-a-side pitches
• Two seven-a-side pitches
• Four five-a-side pitches

Built by the Borough Council, the pitches will be run by Central Swindon North Parish Council and will be available for the wider community to book and use when the sporting hub is officially opened next spring.

Local clubs, working with the parish council, began using the pitch last night (16 Oct) and will continue to do so up until the site is accessible to the general public.

The decision was made to only allow local clubs to use the pitch at this time due to the ongoing construction of the rest of the site and to better manage access.

As work continues to progress on the wider sporting facility, the parish council will look to open the pitch to the general public when possible.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “This is a great community asset that we’re pleased to hand over to the Parish.

“I can’t wait to see the next generation of footballers (and those who haven’t put their boots on for some time) play on this pitch and I’m sure it will be well-used and loved by everyone.

“Of course, this is only just the start for the Moredon Sporting Hub and work is really taking shape on the new pavilion and the cycle tracks creating some of the best cycling facilities in the region.”

Councillor James Yeowell, from Central North Swindon Parish Council, said: “I am delighted that the 3G pitch at the Moredon Sporting Hub is finally complete and available for the public to use.

“Swindon has an active Sunday League, as well as amateur sides competing in various lower leagues of the football pyramid, so this is an excellent facility for teams and people of all abilities to use for training and matches.

“With the pavilion and cycle track moving ever closer to completion, having the 3G pitch available from today, shows the Parish Council and other stakeholders’ commitment to providing our residents with some much needed, fresh sporting facilities.”

Lisa Smith, Secretary at FC Abbey Meads, said: “FC Abbey Meads (FCAM) are delighted to be in partnership with Central North Swindon Parish Council and the new Moredon Hub.

“As a direct result of the Moredon Hub and the 3G pitch facilities being our home base, we have been able to expand to 32 teams across all age groups from Mini Meads (four to six-year-olds) through to an adults' open age team, offering a complete pathway for youth footballers in the Central North Swindon area and beyond. We have 424 players registered with FCAM and all these players will benefit from the best facilities within Swindon for years to come.

“As a three-star FA accredited club, which is celebrating its 20th year in grassroots football, the new Moredon Hub enables us to grow and offer our experience, mentorship and guidance to so many more children who may not have ever had the opportunity to play.

“Football isn't just about winning matches, it’s a community coming together, children making lifelong friendships and learning a skill. The Moredon hub is key to our success and the success of so many young people in Swindon.”

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 the local community in Swindon will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G football turf pitch at Moredon Sporting Hub.”