Haydock sports facility receives makeover through £278,000 improvement scheme

Article date: 4 March 2024

A 60m by 40m multi-use games area (MUGA) used by local grassroots rugby and football clubs, Haydock Warriors ARLFC and Haydock FC, has been given a new lease of life after being fitted with a new 3G playing surface and timed floodlights.

Made possible through various funding streams including the RLWC21 Createdby initiative, topped up by the council through its RLWC21 legacy fund; councillor improvement fund (CIF) money and a contribution from developer, Bericote - the project forms part of a wider scheme which has resulted in a total of £278,000 being invested into council asset, King George V (KGV) playing fields, for a number of other upgrades including:

·         Improvements to the pavilion 

·         Painted shower areas

·         New flooring to changing rooms and corridors

·         Installation of a three-metre-wide footpath with timber edging to encourage activities such as walking and cycling 

·         Taller posts for adult rugby league pitch

·         Repositioning of sports pitches to allow both rugby and football clubs to achieve their development plans   

Meanwhile, work has also been carried out to enhance the overall appearance of the playing fields by opening up views across KGV through tree and shrubs improvement works.

Commenting on a recent visit to Haydock KGV playing fields to see the new MUGA being used by Haydock Warriors U10s for winter training, Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said:

"Our KGV scheme was all about improving facilities for residents and to help local sports clubs grow to achieve their ambitions, so it's great to come down here and see firsthand how it's benefiting the community.

"Among our key priorities as a council is to promote good health and create green, thriving, vibrant places to be proud of, with this project fitting the bill perfectly.

"Volunteer-run community clubs like Haydock Warriors and Haydock FC play a huge role in offering children and young people excellent opportunities to better themselves through the power of sport and I'm delighted that we as a council have been able to support them by providing quality facilities like this which will be used for years to come."

Commenting on how much of a difference the new training facility makes to the club, Haydock Warriors community rugby league club chairman, Stephen Howarth, said:

"This facility is a great asset for Haydock Warriors ARLFC as it allows our youngest teams at U7s, all the way through to open age to train over the dark winter months. It's not only a great facility for us - but also the wider community of Haydock and surrounding areas for various other sports.

"Now that the refurbishment has been completed, I hope more clubs will take advantage of using the facility and contribute towards the upkeep and bring more sporting opportunities into the Haydock area."