The landscape of grassroots sport in Birmingham is undergoing a major transformation. With the recent official opening of the Adderley Park PlayZone, along with a host of other PlayZones coming into use across the city. The programme is funded through the Football Foundation. The official Adderley Park PlayZone opening was attended by high-profile figures including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, marking the beginning of a wider rollout of high-quality, accessible sporting hubs across the city. Amongst guests attending was our Community Engagement Officer Mel. As the Active Birmingham Anchor for Alum Rock, Our Community Foundation have been working with Sport Birmingham, Aston Villa Football Club Foundation and Birmingham City Council to activate the Adderley Park facility.
Community-Led and Growing Network
Through Community Engagement, local stakeholders – including grassroots organizations and local authorities, work together to ensure the facilities reflect the actual needs of the neighbourhood. Whether it’s football, basketball, or netball, the usage is shaped by the people who live there.
The Adderley Park opening is part of an ambitious national phased approach. The Playzone programme began in March 2022, and by 2025, the Football Foundation aims to deliver over 240 PlayZones across England.
The Future of Play in Birmingham
As more PlayZones prepare to open their gates across Birmingham, the focus remains on long-term sustainability and inclusivity. These aren’t just patches of turf; they are community-led hubs designed to foster health, social cohesion, and a genuine love for sport in the heart of the city.
For more information on PlayZones across Birmingham you can contact Nicola.English@sportbirmingham.org