Work is underway on two new community sports facilities in Clacton and Walton-on-the-Naze thanks to a £500,000 investment by Tendring District Council (TDC) and the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation.

The £529,938 project will see Football Foundation PlayZones built on council-owned land at Clacton Leisure Centre and Bathhouse Meadow in Walton-on-the-Naze.

TDC has committed £132,484 towards the project, alongside a £397,454 grant awarded by the Football Foundation.

The new PlayZones will be small-sided, accessible facilities designed to host football and a range of other sports and activities.

Both locations were chosen following extensive community consultation, with local residents and groups helping to shape the plans so the facilities reflect the needs and aspirations of their communities.

The project has also involved teams from across the council, including planning, project delivery and leisure services, working in partnership with the Football Foundation to bring the new facilities forward.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said: “This is a significant joint investment in Clacton and Walton-on-the-Naze which will help remove barriers to physical activity and give more residents the opportunity to enjoy sport close to home.

“Tendring District Council has committed more than £132,000 to the project, as well as making council-owned land available and bringing together expertise from teams across the authority to help make these plans a reality.

“Working in partnership with the Football Foundation means we can deliver high-quality facilities that neither organisation could provide alone, with both partners sharing the ambition of creating healthier and more connected communities.

“The PlayZones will be welcoming and accessible spaces where residents can get active, meet others and build confidence, whether that is through a kickabout with friends, an organised fitness session or another community activity.

“I would particularly like to thank the residents and local groups who helped shape the plans. Their involvement has been central to the project, and we look forward to seeing the PlayZones take shape over the coming weeks.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “When it comes to tackling the greatest inequalities to becoming active, the Football Foundation knows a ‘one-size fits all’ approach doesn’t work. That’s why community engagement is at the heart of our PlayZones programme.

As with all PlayZones, the new facilities in Clacton and Walton-on-the-Naze have been shaped by the local communities who’ll be able to step out onto the pitch and get active in a way that suits them.

“Thanks to the funding we receive from our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Foundation will be delivering over 200 PlayZones like this one across the country."

Work started at Clacton Leisure Centre on 1 September, with the PlayZone expected to be completed in October. Construction at Bathhouse Meadow in Walton-on-the-Naze is due to begin on 5 October.

To find out more about the Football Foundation PlayZones programme, visit their website: https://footballfoundation.org.uk/playzones-programme.

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