Football Foundation Unveils New Derby Racecourse Hub
The ribbon has officially been cut on the new Derby Racecourse Hub, thanks to a £6m grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
The £11.9m project was delivered thanks to additional funding by Derby City Council, to provide the local community with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
The historic Racecourse site, which previously served as a racetrack and as home to Derby County FC is now a community sports Hub, featuring four 3G pitches, several grass pitches and a changing pavilion with an accompanying café and meeting space.
Identified in the Local Football Facility Plan for Derby, the project has created significantly more opportunities for the local community to come together through sport.
The Football Foundation’s Chair, Martin Glenn, was alongside the charity’s Board to cut the ribbon on the new Hub.
He said: “Thanks to funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation has been delivering fantastic grassroots sports facilities like the ones here at the Racecourse Hub for 25 years.
“The Racecourse is a great example of the impact the Foundation’s funding has had over that time, having first received funding back in 2009 and now re-opening bigger and better than ever thanks to one of the Foundation’s largest ever grants.
“I was here back in 2023 when construction first started. To see the facilities being used now and enjoyed by the local community is very rewarding. Not only has this Hub provided a boost to sport in Derby, but it has also created a space for the local community to come together.”
The new facilities are used by three local grassroots football clubs and will enable their number of teams to grow by half within five years of opening. The Hub also hosts a multi-sport offering through an outdoor gym, walking and cycling paths through the park encouraging green travel and an open access 3v3 basketball area.
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “As part of our longstanding support for wider football and communities, we have invested more than £1.2bn alongside The FA and Government into improved pitches and facilities across England and Wales. The impact of that funding is clear in sites such as the Racecourse Hub.
“Grassroots football is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds across the country and plays a crucial role in the success of the game, positively impacting local communities. The Racecourse Hub will benefit the whole community in the years to come.”
The FA’s Director of Football Development, James Kendall, added: “The new state-of-the-art facilities at the Derby Racecourse Hub are absolutely vital to help support the continued growth of grassroots football in the area, providing a fantastic environment for our thriving community clubs.
“Crucially, this investment will create more opportunities for people to enjoy the multiple benefits of playing football. This exciting new facility will also help to ensure greater access for women and girls to play football, which is a key priority for us as we grow the game for everyone.”
Images: Dave Hide Photography/Football Foundation
