Grassroots sports thriving in Broxtowe

Stapleford Towns Fund

In Stapleford, the Towns Fund has created a plethora of opportunities for residents to get active, none more so than the £7.8 million Stapleford Community Pavilion.

The hub hosts 33 teams across the 11-a-side 3G pitch and a 7-a-side multi-use pitch, a health hub gym, 21 weekly classes from local dance groups, three padel courts, various fitness classes for all ages and abilities and the first Steven Gerrard Academy base outside of the north-west, delivering high level football training and education while supporting the health, wellbeing and future careers of young people.

Stapleford Community Pavilion is also home to Stapleford Town Football Club who have recently gained FA 3-star accreditation, the highest level of England Football Accredited status, recognising clubs that provide excellent opportunities, facilities, and support for players, coaches, and volunteers.

Pete Scott, Chairman of Stapleford  Town Football Club, said, “Working closely with the Football Foundation and BBC has enabled our vision of 3 star accreditation.  This modern facility is safe and accessible, meaning we have been able to introduce disability football alongside our mainstream offer of male and female football – ensuring we are more inclusive to the local community.  We are proud to be growing girls and women participating in football and we are looking to double our player numbers next season.”

The Stapleford Towns Fund has also seen planning approved for a new home for Stapleford Cricket Club, funded over 1,380 free cycle repairs through the RideWise Hub at Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground, and supported the construction of a new skatepark with a programme of 17 free skateboard coaching sessions throughout the summer, of which a number of sessions are focused for women and girls.

Kimberley Means Business

Kimberley too has seen a number of sporting facility upgrades thanks to the Kimberley Means Business Fund.

Kimberley Institute Cricket Club was awarded over £180,000 to carry out improvements to their facilities, including two new hybrid pitches and new nets that offer an enhanced experience and enable wider participation across their senior, junior, men’s and women’s teams, and a new car park.

The famous Stag Ground, home of Kimberley Miners’ Welfare FC, gained a brand-new pavilion including a bar, changing rooms and kitchen, with funding for new floodlights, perimeter fencing, and drainage also recently awarded.

Community pitches and pavilions at Digby Street and North Street, regularly used by local grassroots youth teams, saw upgrades too.

Mayor of Kimberley, Councillor Nick Dewsbury, said, "Seeing the fantastic improvements to Sporting Facilities in Kimberley develop over the past year has been wonderful. Kimberley has a rich sporting history and I'm delighted that facilities for Cricket and Football have been invested in to increase opportunities, not only for men's teams, but also for women's and youth teams in Kimberley. Well done to all involved in delivering these excellent investments and upgrades."

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 

The 2022-25 and 2025-26 UKSPF programmes have aided supported sporting organisations and provided opportunities for participation across Broxtowe.

Eastwood Athletic FC’s Women’s and Girl’s Teams saw investment at their ground’s facilities at Basil Russel Park in Nuthall, while Eastwood Cricket Club had new nets installed and Eastwood Tennis Club received funding for the resurfacing of their practice court and walking tennis sessions.

In the South of the Borough, Beeston Rylands based rugby club Nottingham Casuals’ had their clubhouse refurbished thanks to Volunteer It Yourself, which also saw 16 young people gain a construction related qualification. Attenborough Cricket Club received new pitch covers and batting cages, enabling expansion of their women’s and girl’s teams. Funding was also given to repair Beeston Unity Centre’s roof, allowing for the continued provision of fitness sessions for all, and exercise classes for women and girls.

Other

Young Eastwood boxer, Taylor Brown, received a £1,000 grant to cover travel and accommodation, allowing him to compete at the WFC World Championships in Hungary, in which he won 2 world championship belts.

Finally, construction of the upcoming new state-of-the-art Bramcote Leisure Centre – which will include a 25-metre, six lane swimming pool, a 20-metre teaching pool and spectator area, a spin studio, a large fitness suite and an exercise hall – provides residents with even more reason to be excited about the future of sport and exercise in Broxtowe.

Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said, “Local clubs play such a vital part in many of our communities, providing residents with inclusive spaces to exercise and socialise.

“Opportunity for participation in sport in Broxtowe is rife, with clubs, classes, and groups representing a wide range of sports and activities in all corners of our Borough. I’m incredibly proud of the investment we’ve put into our local sporting facilities, helping to foster wider engagement across all groups, and aiding in developing local sporting talent.”