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Community investment as 3G pitch comes to Clay Cross

North East Derbyshire District Council will begin construction for the new 3G pitch on Monday 21^st July which will be located behind the newly built Clay Cross Active, providing more facilities for Clay Cross and surrounding areas and continues the investment in high quality community leisure facilities.

A 3G pitch is a modern, all-weather pitch which not only enhances opportunities for year-round football training and matches but will also strengthens community cohesion, supports youth development, and promote healthier lifestyles.

The project is funded by NEDDC, Football Foundation, The FA and the Premier League, with contributions also received from New Tupton Ivanhoe FC, Pilsley FC, Ashover JFC and Clay Cross Bulldogs.

Work is expected to complete in January 2026. Demand for the pitch is already high but is you are interested in hiring the facility, please register you interest by emailing ccaenquiries@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

In delivering such a facility, there will be increased construction traffic along the road at the side of Clay Cross Active for a period of time. We apologies for the inconvenience this may cause, and we really appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Cllr Kathy Rouse, Cabinet Member for Leisure at North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “We are passionate about supporting our local communities and providing services and facilities that provide a fantastic platform for exercise or even developing a future Millie Bright – these are the grassroots opportunities that make a difference to local clubs and this is set to be another great addition to what is a hugely successful community leisure offer at Clay Cross Active..”

3G pitch at Clay Cross Active gets go-ahead

North East Derbyshire District Council are delighted to announce they have successfully secured funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation to install a new 3G pitch at the Clay Cross Active facility.

The 3G pitch project has been made possible thanks to a £786,000 grant from the Football Foundation, with the remaining 25% of the project costs provided by the council and local partners.

Works are set to start early in 2025 and the pitch is expected to be available for hire in the summer of 2025, once the facility is open.

Local teams and partners who have been consulted with previously will be contacted through 2025 to confirm their bookings.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse said: “Thanks to the generosity of the Football Foundation and our local partners this exciting project will now commence and be ready for our communities to use when the centre opens in the Summer of next year.

It’s fantastic to bring yet more great news on Clay Cross Active’s progress.”

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.

“This grant award to North East Derbyshire District Council towards developing a new 3G pitch at the Clay Cross Active facility is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”

Exciting times are coming, keep up to date by signing up to our email newsletter for the latest news and updates as things progress.

ENDS

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 every community has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.

Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested more than £1.1 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,200 3G pitches, 13,000 grass pitches and 1,500 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.4 billion of partnership funding – totalling over £2.5 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.