How Football Foundation Funding has Transformed Burgess Park into a Leading Grassroots Sports Hub in South London

Since 2000, Football Foundation funding has helped to transform facilities across the country to become thriving community hubs, and Burgess Park Sports Centre in South London is a prime example of this.

Continued funding from the Premier League, The FA and Governmeant since the Sports Centre originally opened in 2006 has led to one of South London’s largest parks becoming a destination for football, tennis, BMX, rugby, cricket and countless community programmes.  

"The financial support from the Foundation meant the Council could deliver this cutting-edge project. A big thank you, therefore, to the Foundation for helping us to offer a first-class facility for the benefit of the entire local community. Cllr Nick Stanton, Leader of the Council speaking in 2006. 

Football Foundation support has helped Burgess Park become a true grassroots sports hub. Today, the redeveloped site is home to everything from grassroots leagues and school sessions to a thriving women’s league, new girls’ provision and inclusive programmes for LGBTQ+ players, refugees and vulnerable young people, with a new pavilion providing space for local groups in the community. Within five years, it’s projected to support 38 new teams and almost 800 additional players.

As the Football Foundation marks its 25th anniversary, Burgess Park stands as a powerful example of what long-term, sustained investment can achieve. A site that began with a single pitch in 2006 is now one of South London’s most important multi-sport destinations, helping thousands of local people get active. It shows how, by unlocking the power of pitches year after year, we can ensure every community has a great place to play.