Construction has started on a new sports hub in Calverley, set to provide modern sports pitches and a community space for residents. The £9.6 million Woodhall Sports Hub will feature three full-sized artificial third generation pitches and one natural grass pitch, improving access to high-quality facilities for local junior sports teams.
The development has been partially funded through one of the largest grants provided by the Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation. Leeds City Council developed the plans in partnership with the Football Foundation as part of the national Parklife programme, which aims to increase the number of third generation artificial grass pitches across England.
Calverley currently faces a shortage of sports pitches, with many teams unable to secure regular training or match spaces. Existing grass pitches are heavily used and prone to cancellations due to overuse or waterlogging. The new artificial pitches are expected to reduce wear on the existing grass surfaces and improve overall pitch availability across the city.
In addition to sports facilities, the hub will provide a social space for the community. Plans include a café, play areas, landscaped zones, biodiversity habitats, parking, footpath improvements, a meeting room and a changing places toilet. Native trees and wildflowers will also be planted to support local wildlife and increase the ecological value of the site.
A key focus of the hub will be to encourage participation from women’s and girls’ teams, as well as individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who might otherwise face barriers to participation due to cost or location.
Woodhall Sports Hub is one of two new sports hubs approved by senior councillors in July 2025, with a combined investment of £23.9 million. Work on the second hub at Temple Newsam is scheduled to begin in 2026. Funding for the projects comes from Leeds City Council, Section 106 developer contributions, private sector investment, and the Football Foundation.
Once operational, the hubs will be managed by the National Football Trust, a not-for-profit organisation, with surplus income reinvested into outdoor sports facilities across Leeds. Leisure United will lease and operate the buildings.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The start on this major development is a big milestone in our work to encourage people of all ages to live active and healthy lifestyles, making sure everyone in Leeds has access to quality sport facilities. Woodhall sports hub will not only offer great sports pitches, it will also be a fantastic space for the community to meet up, with play areas, a café and parking. We look forward to continue working with the Football Foundation, National Football Trust and Leisure United to make this space a reality.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. We’re delighted that works are now underway to deliver these sports hubs in Leeds and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.”
The Woodhall Sports Hub is expected to be ready for the 2026/27 playing season, offering both improved sports facilities and a versatile community space for Calverley residents.
