The ‘PlayZones’ initiative aims to create safe spaces for local people or all ages to access free recreational football, in existing parks council-owned parks.
‘PlayZones’ are purpose built recreational areas, with multi-functional football equipment including various sized football pitches and goals, football tennis zones, passing squares, benches, and floodlights.
The two new ‘PlayZones’ are located at Scotland Hall Road and Ladybarn Park; both funded by:
- Sport England
- City Football Group
- The Premier League, The Football Association and Government via the Football Foundation
Scotland Hall Road is located less than two miles away from the Etihad stadium, with Ladybarn Park sitting just over four.
Both sites were selected after a robust research project, which saw the charity consult with councils, residents, Official Supporters Clubs, fans, schools, youth centre, residents, and funders across all Manchester regions.
Head of City in the Community, Mike Geary, said:
“We are pleased to have begun work on two new PlayZones. Following four years of research, consultations, and planning, this is a huge step towards achieving our aim of building better recreational spaces for the people of Manchester.
“City in the Community delivers thousands of hours of free community football sessions for young people in Manchester each year, but this new PlayZones initiative aims to break down barriers which exist for many people when accessing informal, recreational football.
“By creating free spaces for people of all abilities, we hope that local people can connect through sport, without fear of judgement or safety, all year round.”
The PlayZones will be free to enjoy 365 days a year for all members of the community.
City in the Community will also deliver its own sessions for city youth, as well as work with local organisations, volunteers and youth groups to utilise the sites.
Construction began week commencing Monday 7th November, with completion expected in early Spring.
To find out more information, please read this PlayZones Question and Answers below or email [email protected].
City in the Community is Manchester City’s charity. Founded in 1986, it supports people across Greater Manchester by creating healthier lives through football. Programmes place physical and mental wellbeing at their core, whilst also creating healthy futures and healthy communities.
For more information, visit www.mancity.com/CITC for follow @citcmancity.
‘PLAYZONES’ INITIATIVE: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WHAT ARE PLAYZONES?
PlayZones are purpose built recreational areas located at two existing parks in Manchester (Scotland Hall Road and Ladybarn Park), with multi-functional football equipment for all of the community to enjoy. The designs include facilities such as various sized football pitches and goals, football tennis zones, passing squares, benches and floodlights.
WHY HAVE CITY IN THE COMMUNITY DECIDED TO CREATE PLAYZONES?
City in the Community is committed to empowering lives through football.
The ‘PlayZones’ initiative aims to break down barriers which exist for many people in Manchester when accessing informal, community and recreational football. City in the Community is creating free spaces for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and connect, without fear of judgement or safety.
Evidence also suggests that playing football informally with friends and family is a significant area of demand in terms of growing the game and meeting the changing lifestyle demands of participants.
HOW HAS THE CHARITY SELECTED WHERE THE SITES WILL BE?
City in the Community undertook a robust research project to identify suitable sites for Play Zones in Manchester.
Working with councils, residents, Official Supporters Clubs, fans, schools, youth centre, residents and funders across all Manchester regions, two sites have been identified: Scotland Hall Road in East Manchester and Ladybarn Park in Withington.
HOW IS THE CHARITY FUNDING THE PLAYZONES PROJECT?
The Play Zones project has been supported by:
- Sport England
- City Football Group
- The Premier League, The Football Association and Government via the Football Foundation
WILL THE LAND BE OWNED BY MANCHESTER CITY?
City in the Community will lease the areas for development within the two parks from Manchester City Council whilst work takes place – the Council will always retain ownership and responsibility for the land.
WHEN WILL THE PLAYZONES BE COMPLETE?
The PlayZones are expected be open for the public to enjoy from March 2023.
WHO WILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE PLAYZONES?
The PlayZones will be free community football spaces for all to enjoy open recreational play. City in the Community also plans to work with local organisations, volunteers and youth groups to utilise the sites for their good work.
I AM A LOCAL RESIDENT WITH A QUESTION ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION, WHO DO I CONTACT?
All enquiries about the PlayZones can be sent to [email protected]. The construction company will also have a point of contact on both sites for any immediate enquiries whilst work is taking place.
WHAT ARE THE WORKING HOURS?
All work on site will take place during traditional business working hours – 9 am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. In the event we need to work outside of these hours, residents will be contacted.
WHAT IS CITY IN THE COMMUNITY?
City in the Community is Manchester City’s charity. Founded in 1986, its aim is to empower healthier lives through football. Programmes place physical and mental wellbeing at their core, whilst also creating healthy futures and healthy communities.
