A game of two hubs: Muckle supports project to transform grassroots football

We were delighted to provide legal support to a project aiming to improve access to grassroots football in Newcastle.

Two multi-million-pound hubs have opened at Bullocksteads and Blakelaw Recreation Ground thanks to a £9.4m investment from the Government's Football Foundation.

Across the two sites, players will have access to five floodlit 3G turf pitches and 12 improved grass pitches, as well as changing rooms, gyms and cafes. These new facilities will help address the lack of pitches, which was identified by the Local Football Facility Plan for Newcastle and provide a home for local football clubs.

Bullocksteads in particular, will become a key venue for women's and girl's football in the area, with Newcastle United Women FC using them for training purposes, after a further £3.1m investment from Newcastle City Council. This site will also provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate through the Newcastle United Foundation's disability programme for amputees and those with cerebral palsy.

Community hubs

CEO of the Football Foundation, Robert Sullivan, said: "These two new community sports hubs in Newcastle will not only provide fantastic places but also a great space for the local community to come together. The positive impact in terms of the jobs and opportunities created during their construction has already been felt, and I look forward to the people of Newcastle getting to know and enjoy these facilities in the years to come.

"Thanks to the investment we receive from our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and the Government, the Football Foundation is working to deliver more Hubs like this across the country so that everyone can have access to great places to play like these two sites in Newcastle."

Top support

Legal support on leases was provided by Carolyn McKay and John Kellett in our real estate team. Carolyn, associate solicitor in our real estate team said: “This is a huge investment in grassroots sport and the region as a whole, so we were delighted to support the Football Foundation with the leases on the sites. Sport is vital in bringing communities together, and this project will only build upon the fantastic work already happening in the region.”

For more information on how our team can support you or your business please contact Carolyn McKay on  0191 211 7966 or email [email protected]