Published: Friday 15 March 2024
Football fans in North Kensington can enjoy a free kickabout right on their doorsteps thanks to a new scheme providing public access to two local pitches.
Kensington and Chelsea Council has teamed up with Westway Trust and Everyone Active, who operate Westway Sports & Fitness Centre, to open pitches 11 and 12 to members of the community whenever they are not booked.
The Council has contributed to funding the new scheme to address consultation feedback which revealed that some residents – and particularly young people – felt excluded from physical activity.
Cllr Emma Will, Kensington and Chelsea’s Lead Member for Leisure, said:
“From our conversations with the local community, we know that some of our residents feel shut out from physical activity, whether through a lack of access to facilities or financial factors.
“We are committed to making it as easy as possible for our residents to enjoy an active lifestyle and by funding this initiative we hope to remove some of the barriers to participation in the beautiful game.
“I hope that footballers of all ages take advantage of a free kickabout with their friends on these fabulous pitches at Westway Sports & Fitness Centre.”
Ian Ling, Contract Manager of Westway Sports & Fitness Centre, commented:
“We are delighted to be able to offer open pitches to our community. It will be perfect for anyone not wanting a proper match or game and just get active. Making it ideal for families to come down for a kickabout and run around, the older community to stretch their legs and for young adults to burn off some steam all without any financial implications.”
Bookings for pitches 11 and 12 will still be available for teams and groups wanting to play matches, with the pitches available for walk-ins at all other times. A full timetable will be added to the noticeboard outside of the pitches so it is clear when the pitch will be free to use.