The new floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch, together with the new pavilion and car park, fully opened in September 2024. The cutting-edge facility is now in use by Radcliffe Junior FC and Radcliffe FC as well as local schools such as Star Radcliffe Academy, St Andrew’s Primary, a special needs group, and a football learning college. The 3G pitch will be used by over 70 teams and it is planned that the new pavilion will also act as a wider wellbeing and community centre.
The new facilities are being managed by the Radcliffe Football Foundation (a partnership between Radcliffe Junior FC and Radcliffe FC).
Early in 2025 Radcliffe Football Foundation will contact local community groups about the facility’s development. An official opening event will now be planned for early spring.
About the new facilities
The new facilities have been funded with £1.8 million from the Football Foundation, plus a further £600,000 from Bury Council.
The 3G pitch at Radcliffe replaces some of the traditional grassed pitches which can be prone to water logging and a cause of abandoned matches.
- The surface of a 3G provides a durable FIFA quality pitch that facilitates safe, intensive, year-round play allowing games to continue in all kinds of weather.
- Landscaping work around the 3G pitch is nearly finished, but the final levelling, planting and seeding will be done when site conditions improve.
- The on-site parking has 78 standard car spaces, 4 electric vehicle spaces and 12 cycle spaces to support active travel.
Key benefits
- The new facility will give a huge boost to grass roots sport in Radcliffe and unlock for people of all ages, football’s many benefits to physical and mental wellbeing.
Other local state-of-the-art 3G facilities are at Goshen Playing Fields in Bury and the council is currently finalising a funding bid for a further facility at Top Park in Ramsbottom.