Niamh Charles returns to her roots to unveil a pitch named in her honour at Bidston Sports and Activity Centre

Chelsea and England defender Niamh Charles returned home to the Wirral today to unveil a pitch named in her honour, recognising her role in the historic success of the Lionesses. 

Thanks to a grant of £893k from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, and investment of more than £207k from Wirral Council, Bidston Sports and Activity Centre now boasts a new 3G floodlit pitch. 

This pitch which will provide a significant boost to grassroots football in the local area, and create an inclusive and welcoming place to play for the women and girls that’ve been inspired by the Lionesses’ success.

After speaking to players from local primary schools on the day, Niamh said: 

“It’s amazing to be back here on the Wirral where my football journey began. I started playing when I was four and to see how the women’s and girls’ game has grown is incredible. This 3G pitch with priority access to women and girls is a world away from the facilities I had access to – and to see all the girls playing today on a pitch named after me is such an honour.

Hearing how much the Lionesses’ success has meant to them makes me feel so proud of the whole team who continue to inspire women and girls across the country to get down to their local pitches to play football.”

The Lioness legacy pitches form a key part of the Football Foundation’s HERe To Play campaign, which celebrates the charity’s commitment to delivering grassroots facilities that provide equal access to women and girls.

 

“Niamh and all the Lionesses are a great showcase of just how important quality grassroots facilities are for the women’s and girls’ game.

Robert Sullivan
CEO of the Football Foundation

"We are delighted that those who have been inspired by Niamh and her teammates will have better places to play thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

"This year, the Football Foundation is directing more money than ever before into supporting the grassroots game and every one of the facilities we fund will provide equal access for women and girls. 

"Alongside this commitment, The Lionesses Futures Fund, a £30m cash injection to the Foundation will support the development of at least 30 new state-of-the-art 3G pitches and accompanying facilities - all designed to prioritise women’s and girls’ grassroots football teams.

The Niamh Charles Pitch will be home to two partner clubs; Poulton Victoria FC and Oxton Ladies’ – both of whom will be using it for training and match play. In addition to this the Cheshire Girls League will use it as a central venue on weekends.  

The project will also have a positive impact on disability and recreational football in the area with targeted programmes delivered by Wirral Sports Development. These aim to engage under-represented groups and boost physical activity in a highly deprived area.

The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Cheery Porvall JP, said:

"Investing in grassroots teams and ensuring that Wirral's future Lionesses and other sporting talent can hone their skills using world-class facilities is a key part of our borough's strategy to support active and healthy lives.

"We're thrilled to welcome Niamh back to Wirral, to unveil this new facility that will support local talent to grow, thrive and follow in her footsteps.