Refurbished changing pavilion in Norfolk to provide multi-faceted facility for the whole community to enjoy

Former Norwich City defender and current Assistant Manager at Wroxham FC, Adam Drury (centre), unveils the refurbished changing pavilion alongside the club's Manager, Jordan Southgate (centre left), and Women's Manager, Rebecca Burton (centre right).

Residents of Rackheath can now enjoy the benefits of a multi-use community facility after the doors were opened to Rackheath Parish Council’s extended and refurbished changing pavilion recently (Saturday 28 September 2019).

The refurbished changing pavilion was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation.

After netting a £98,906 grant from the Football Foundation, work began on the site in November 2018. The project also received substantial financial backing from the Broadland District Council Community Infrastructure Fund (£250,000) and the Public Works Loan Board (£105,000).

The funding enabled Rackheath Parish Council to create a modern two-team changing pavilion which includes an officials’ room, spectator toilets, a meeting room and multi-function social space with kitchen servery. The project was undertaken to support the council’s intention of creating an established sports and recreational hub for the whole community.

The project will help to sustain the 11v11 game serving as the home ground to five adult men’s clubs. Partner club Wroxham FC has also joined the Parish Council to form a partnership enabling junior football teams to flourish. This will contribute towards over 50 junior footballers playing football at the site over the next five years, resulting in a 78% growth.

Fran Whymark, Parish Councillor for Rackheath, said: "Supporting and promoting stronger and independent communities is a priority for Broadland District Council. The additional facilities at the new Sports Pavilion will offer real and lasting benefits for the residents of Rackheath and surrounding areas. As a resident I know the additional facilities offered will play a vital role in bringing the community together, for many years to come. I would like to thank Rackheath Parish Council and the Football Foundation for working together to make this project a reality.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The support of the Premier League, The FA and Government enables the Football Foundation to help improve community sports facilities like this one across the country. Their funding has played a key role in delivering this refurbished changing pavilion in Norfolk and I am delighted for everyone associated with Rackheath Parish Council.

“This is one example we want to make people in Norfolk aware of, that they have the kind of quality pitches and changing rooms that are taken for granted in other counties. We will continue to support projects nationwide, but we cannot do this on our own, so we are encouraging organisations in the area to join our movement to deliver quality football facilities for people in Norfolk once and for all.

“Taking part in community sport at any level offers many benefits and rewards, not least the opportunity for people to enjoy themselves and socialise with different members of the community.”