Broughton football pitch and pavilion to receive £750k investment thanks to charity

A football pitch and pavilion in Broughton are set to receive a £750k facelift, thanks to a new charity grant.

Albert Park pitch, off Great Clowes Street, Broughton is set to benefit from the funding, after local charity Albert’s of Salford, along with the council, made a joint bid to the Football Foundation for a refurbishment grant.

The funding will allow the artificial pitch and pavilion to continue being used by community groups for the next twenty years, with completion aimed for October.

Bob Hinder, chair of the trustees of Albert’s said: “Albert’s of Salford has been making a significant contribution to health and well-being, community cohesion and public safety in and around Albert Park for almost twenty years.

“Even with the best stewardship the facilities are now past their best and it was vital that the pitch and changing facilities were upgraded. A new pitch and improvements to the pavilion will ensure we continue to meet community sports and recreational needs for the next twenty years.

Albert’s secured a £603,495 grant from the Football Foundation and raised the extra £150,000 needed from its own investment fund and successful bids to other charitable trusts and grant givers including the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation and Humphrey Booth Charities. Salford City Council have agreed to step in for any shortfall.

Kim Shaw, who has managed the facility since Alberts became a community interest company in 2007, added: “We have built up a strong relationship with many Football Association registered teams and clubs such as Barr Hill FC, community organisations like Salford Welcome and Village football club, informal groups, churches and schools.

“We host many community events and festivals such as the Refugee World Cup. Over 700 individuals use Albert’s each week and we strive to provide a good quality, well-maintained and safe environment which promotes mutual respect among our diverse communities.”