The Woodhall sports hub, a colossal £9.6 million project in Calverley, Leeds, is now underway, promising to revolutionize local sports with three cutting-edge 3G pitches, a natural grass pitch, and inclusive community facilities, all slated for completion by the 2026/27 playing season. This game-changing development, backed by significant funding from the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council, will tackle the long-standing shortage of quality sports facilities, fostering active lifestyles and strengthening community bonds for generations to come.
What is the new Woodhall sports hub in Calverley and how will it benefit the community?
The new Woodhall sports hub in Calverley, Leeds, is a £9.6 million facility featuring three advanced 3G artificial pitches, a natural grass pitch, inclusive amenities, and eco-friendly spaces. It aims to boost grassroots football, support local teams, and enhance community health and access to sports.
A Major Investment in Calverley’s Sports Infrastructure
Construction has officially commenced on the new Woodhall sports hub in Calverley, Leeds, an ambitious development promised to transform local access to high-quality sports and community facilities. The project, valued at £9.6 million, is one of the biggest investments of its kind in the region and addresses a longstanding shortage of adequate sports pitches for junior and amateur teams. Once completed, it will feature three advanced artificial third generation (3G) pitches and a new natural grass pitch, all designed to support full-scale football and other team sports throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
The funding for this groundbreaking project includes a significant grant from the Football Foundation – one of the largest ever received from the joint partnership of the Premier League, The FA, and the UK Government. Additional finances come from Leeds City Council, Section 106 developer contributions, and private sector backing, reflecting a broad base of support for this much-needed hub. According to the developers, the new facility is scheduled to be fully operational for the 2026/27 playing season, providing a modern and inclusive venue for sports, recreation, and social engagement.
As explained by Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, “The start on this major development is a big milestone in our work to encourage people of all ages to live active and healthy lifestyles, making sure everyone in Leeds has access to quality sport facilities.” The hub aims to resolve issues that have long plagued local teams, including cancelled matches due to waterlogged fields and the overuse of existing pitches, which has often prevented consistent training and play throughout the year.
Key Facilities and Features: Building a Community Epicenter
The Woodhall sports hub is not just about playing football; it’s designed as a holistic community space integrating sports, recreation, and nature. In addition to the four new pitches, the hub will feature a high-quality café, children’s play areas, ample parking, and significant improvements to walking routes and footpaths, enhancing accessibility for all. The inclusion of a meeting room and a changing places toilet reflects growing recognition of inclusivity, ensuring that people of all abilities can utilize the facilities comfortably.
Ecological enhancement forms an integral part of the project’s objectives. Developers plan to plant native trees and wildflowers across the hub, supporting the local biodiversity and creating pleasant green spaces for relaxation and socialization. Such plans align with broader environmental goals set by Leeds City Council, aiming to promote sustainable developments whilst fostering a stronger connection between residents and their natural surroundings.
“We look forward to continue working with the Football Foundation, National Football Trust and Leisure United to make this space a reality,” noted Councillor Arif. The multi-functional design of the site makes it more than just a sports venue; it stands to become a true community centerpiece, serving as a gathering place for clubs, families, and groups in Calverley and beyond.
Addressing Demand: Equal Access and Social Impact
A persistent shortage of suitable sports facilities has affected many in Calverley and the wider Leeds area, with local teams frequently struggling to book regular training sessions or match days due to existing pitches being at capacity. Especially during periods of wet weather, natural grass fields have often become unplayable, leading to a high rate of match cancellations and dissatisfaction among athletes and coaches. The addition of three new 3G artificial pitches is expected to drastically reduce the stress on current resources and offer reliable, year-round access to the local sporting community.
A particular focus of the Woodhall hub is on inclusivity and encouraging participation among traditionally underrepresented groups. This includes:
- Expanding facilities for women’s and girls’ football teams
- Ensuring affordable access for teams from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Increasing opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers due to distance, cost, or lack of transport
According to Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation: “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.” By providing modern pitches, amenities, and accessible infrastructure, the sports hub supports local health initiatives and reinforces the social fabric of Calverley and adjacent neighborhoods.
Partnership and Future Prospects: Leeds’ Ambitious Sports Vision
Woodhall sports hub forms a core component of the Football Foundation’s Parklife programme, a national scheme aimed at boosting the number of 3G artificial grass pitches across England. The initiative works hand-in-hand with local councils and sporting bodies to maximize the reach and sustainability of grassroots facilities. Leeds City Council, together with its partners, vetted and approved two major sports hub developments in July 2025, with the combined investment in these projects totaling £23.9 million. The second facility, which will serve Temple Newsam, is set to break ground in 2026.
Once operational, the management and administration of Woodhall sports hub will fall under the National Football Trust, a not-for-profit body that reinvests surplus funds into enhancing Leeds’ outdoor sports facilities. The day-to-day running of leisure services, events, and community engagement will be led by Leisure United, ensuring a sustainable operational model that prioritizes public benefit and continued reinvestment into local sports infrastructure.
The hub exemplifies the type of multi-stakeholder, long-term planning required to safeguard and upgrade community sport in modern cities. Future users can anticipate reliable, top-grade playing surfaces, accessible social amenities, and a vibrant environment promoting both active lifestyles and community bonds. Stakeholders have expressed optimism that Woodhall’s successful implementation will serve as a template for further initiatives in Leeds and across the UK, sustaining the momentum for equal and widespread access to sports at every level.
For more information about the Football Foundation and its ongoing work in grassroots sport, visit their official website.
- The Woodhall sports hub in Calverley, Leeds, is a £9.6 million project set to be completed by the 2026/27 playing season.
- It will feature three cutting-edge 3G pitches, a natural grass pitch, and various inclusive community facilities.
- Funding for the project comes from significant grants from the Football Foundation, Leeds City Council, and other contributions.
- The hub aims to address the shortage of quality sports facilities, boost grassroots football, and encourage active lifestyles.
- Beyond sports, the facility will include a café, children’s play areas, improved walking routes, and ecological enhancements like tree and wildflower planting.