Archway School has officially opened its brand-new £1million floodlit 3G football pitch, delivering a major new sporting facility for students, grassroots clubs, and the wider community across Stroud.
The £1 million facility has been delivered through the generous support of key partners, including The Football Foundation (£740,000), funded by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, alongside funding from Stroud District Council through its Community Infrastructure Levy (£150,000), and Stroud and Rodborough Charity (£15,000).
The new facility will provide a high-quality all-weather playing surface for students, grassroots clubs, and community groups across the Stroud district, significantly expanding opportunities for year-round sport, training, physical activity, and competition.
The project was spearheaded by Sports Centre Manager Rob Birch, who joined Archway School in October 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Following extensive consultation with organisations including Sport England, Active Gloucestershire, The FA and the RFU, the school established a partnership with The Football Foundation — the UK’s largest sports charity dedicated to improving grassroots sports facilities.
Working alongside former Headteacher Kieron Smith, with early support from Angela Gillingham, Head of Community Services at Stroud District Council, and local community clubs, the project progressed through feasibility studies, business planning, and a detailed planning process involving both Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council.
Despite a number of challenges along the way, the team remained committed to delivering a facility that would serve future generations.
Rob Birch said: “This has been a genuine team effort. From early-stage planning to unique experiences like soil sampling and even assisting professionals with bat radar surveys, it’s been an unforgettable journey.”
The pitch has been developed in line with Football Foundation and FA priorities to support “football for all”, helping to remove barriers to participation and increase access to sport for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
A major focus of the facility will be supporting the continued growth of girls’ and women’s football, alongside wider grassroots and inclusive sport development throughout the local community.
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.
“We’re delighted that the local community in Stroud will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Archway School.”
The official opening event began with a football festival involving dozens of young players from partner clubs, watched by families, school staff, local councillors, representatives from the Football Foundation, Gloucestershire FA, and the Stroud and Rodborough Charity.
Special guest Stacey Pearson, an elite Women’s Super League, Champions League and international referee, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the importance of accessible, modern facilities in supporting the next generation of players and referees.
Drawing on her own journey in football, Pearson praised the positive impact community sports facilities can have in helping young people develop confidence, ambition, and a lifelong love of the game.
James Woollin, Headteacher at Archway School, said: “After nearly five years of hard work and persistence, it’s incredibly rewarding to see this vision realised.
“This facility will positively impact thousands of people — from our students to local clubs — and it’s been truly heartwarming to see it already being enjoyed since its completion at Easter.”
Archway School has extended its thanks to all funding partners, local clubs, and members of the surrounding community for their support and patience throughout the construction process.
The new 3G pitch now stands as a lasting legacy of partnership, perseverance, and shared vision — a facility designed to inspire and support future generations across Stroud and the wider community.
