Local Lioness unveils world class pitch at Sports and Activity Centre
Chelsea and England defender Niamh Charles returned home to Wirral to unveil a new £1.1m 3G floodlit pitch, named in her honour, recognising her role in the historic success of the Lionesses.
The Niamh Charles pitch, based at Bidston Sports and Activity Centre, will play a huge role in encouraging future footballing talent, and breaking down barriers to access sports.
The new facility was funded by a grant of £893k from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation with investment of more than £207k from Wirral Council, Bidston Sports and Activity Centre.
The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Cherry Povall JP, said:
Investing in grassroots teams and ensuring that Wirral’s future Lionesses and other sporting talent can hone their skills using world-class facilities is a key part of our borough’s strategy to support active and healthy lives.
We’re thrilled to welcome Niamh back to Wirral, to unveil this new facility that will support local talent to grow, thrive and follow in her footsteps.
The new site provides a significant boost to grassroots football in the local area and will create an inclusive and welcoming place to play for women and girls who have been inspired by the Lionesses’ success.
Niamh Charles said:
It’s amazing to be back here in Wirral where my love of football began. I started playing when I was 4 and to see how the women’s and girls’ game has grown is incredible. This 3G pitch is a world away from the facilities I was able to play on – and to see all the girls playing today on a pitch named after me is such an honour.
Hearing how much the Lionesses’ success has meant to them makes me feel so proud of the whole team who continue to inspire women and girls across the country to get down to their local pitches to play football.
The Niamh Charles Pitch will be home to two partner clubs; Poulton Victoria FC’s teams, and Oxton Ladies’ teams, with both teams using it for training and match play. In addition to this the Cheshire Girls League will use it as a central venue on weekends.
The project will also have a positive impact on disability and recreational football in the area with targeted programmes delivered by Wirral Sports Development. These aim to engage under-represented groups and boost physical activity in a highly deprived area.
For more information on the Football Foundation’s commitment to women and girls, please visit: https://footballfoundation.org.uk/here-to-play
The pitch is also available for casual bookings and block bookings for Wirral football teams. If you’re interested in booking, visit: https://wirral.xnlcloud.com/lhweb/.
