Football and rugby players in Moulsecoomb will soon be able to train right on their doorstep – thanks to the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.Work has started on a new £611k 3G pitch at Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre.
The project is being funded with a £410k grant from The Foundation with the remaining amount from the council’s Section 106 developer funding.There was also a contribution from Coldean Colts FC, a Partner Club for the project.The council bid for the Football Foundation funding available following the huge success of the Lionesses at the Women’s Euros in 2022.
Brighton & Hove was a host city for the tournament which saw England’s Lionesses play at the Brighton & Hove Community Stadium on their way to becoming European champions.
The new pitch will provide new opportunities for women and girls to play both football and rugby, which has seen participation soar following the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament.Once again Brighton & Hove was selected as a host city for the tournament which saw England’s Red Roses playing at the city stadium before becoming world champions.
The new pitch set to open next Spring.
When the pitch opens for bookings, priority will be given to clubs and groups delivering sessions for women and girls – including Hove Rugby Club as well as Coldean Colts football club.
Councillor Alan Robins. Cabinet member for Sport, Recreation and Libraries said: “We’d like to thank the Football Foundation for this generous grant, which is going to make a huge difference to the local community, particularly to women and girls keen to play football and rugby.
“Providing opportunities for our residents to take part in sport is a huge priority for us, and this new facility will undoubtedly nurture talent and change lives.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “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.
“This grant award to Brighton & Hove City Council towards developing a 3G pitch at Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”
Thomas Lyons, CEO of Sussex County FA, added: “This investment is a fantastic boost for grassroots football in Brighton & Hove. Facilities like this 3G pitch are vital for growing participation and ensuring that everyone, especially women and girls, have access to safe, high-quality places to play. We’re proud to support projects that strengthen communities and inspire the next generation of players across Sussex.
