New 3G pitch, changing facilities and new Dug Out cafe opens in Barnsley to boost grassroots sport

A state-of-the-art second 3G pitch, changing facilities and Dug Out Cafe has been officially opened at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre in Cudworth, Barnsley.

The project has benefited from a combined grant of £965,706 from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, as well as an additional £250,451 from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, plus investment from Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre’s operator Barnsley Premier Leisure.

Supported by Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, the centre will provide a base for several local England Football Accredited (EFA) clubs.

It will also facilitate programmes delivered by Barnsley FC Community Trust, recreational opportunities including male and female flexi-leagues, Wildcats, Squad Girls, walking football, accessible pay and play opportunities, targeted inclusion sessions and formal and recreational disability provision.

The facility will be used by Elite FC; Pinfold Pumas; Staincross Rangers; Monk Bretton FC; Redfearns FC; Athersley Rec; Barugh Green; Brierley Cubs; Junior Tykes; Williams Bar, Barnsley Women and West End Terriers and Barnsley Schools FA.

Facility Manager at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre Martin Prest said: “Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre is a much-loved community facility and we already have great links with clubs and schools.

“Now with these fantastic new facilities, we will be able to strengthen those links, further supporting pathways in sport from grassroots through to academies and beyond.

“A big thank you to all our partners. Thanks to the Football Foundation grant, plus additional investment from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and BPL, we can offer even greater sporting opportunities for our local community to enjoy.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added: “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 Cudworth and Barnsley will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre.”

Councillor James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council added: “I am thrilled to see the opening of this fantastic new facility, which will make a real difference to grassroots sport in Cudworth and across Barnsley.

“Our investment, alongside the Football Foundation grant, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality spaces that support the growth and sustainability of grassroots sport.”

The new facilities were showcased at an event, which brought partners and invited guests together for a tour.

Attendees included Leader of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Sir Steve Houghton, the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnsley, Dorothy Hyman and representatives from the Football Foundation and Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA.

Guests also had the opportunity to take a look around Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre’s recently refurbished fitness facilities.

Improvements include the addition of new Technogym equipment and two new studio spaces, including an indoor cycling studio.

On the day, the studios hosted a themed aerobics through the decades class and 12-hour charity Bikeathon Challenge, which raised over £2,100 for Weston Park Cancer Charity.

About The Football Foundation
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most.

The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring everyone has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.

Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested £1.3 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,300 3G pitches, 15,000 grass pitches and 1,700 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.5 billion of partnership funding – totalling over £2.7 billion investment in grassroots football so far.

In partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders, the Foundation has created Local Football Facility Plans for every local authority in England. These Plans act as a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements that each community needs and deserves across the country.

Visit footballfoundation.org.uk for more information on the Foundation and view the Plan for your local area.

About BPL
BPL is an award winning community leisure trust, which operates facilities across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, including Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre in Cudworth and its flagship facility, Barnsley Metrodome.

Visit www.yourspacetofeelgood.com for more information.