Birmingham’s new PlayZones are creating exciting opportunities for local people to get active, connect and enjoy sport and physical activity. PlayZones are safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities that bring people together through recreational forms of football and a range of other sports.
Funded through the Football Foundation, with investment from Sport England, the PlayZones programme strengthens communities through physical activity. In Birmingham, as the local Active Partnership, Sport Birmingham is working alongside local community organisations, known as PlayZone Connectors, to activate each site and develop programmes that reflect the needs and interests of the local community.
Five PlayZones across Birmingham
There are currently five PlayZones across the city, each supported by a local organisation that is helping to bring the facilities to life:
- Birmingham Settlement, Kingstanding: PlayZone Connector – Birmingham Settlement
- Concord Youth Centre, Sparkbrook: PlayZone Connector – Birmingham United
- Action Indoor Sports, Stockland Green: PlayZone Connector – Donate 1 Create 1
- Adderley Park, Alum Rock: PlayZone Connector – Our Community Foundation
- Batchelors Recreation Ground, Bordesley Green: PlayZone Connector – Pitch 2 Progress
Sharing Ideas and Celebrating Local Impact
On the 19th August, colleagues from Sport England, Active Partnerships, the Football Foundation, Active Black Country, Substance and London Sport visited a number of Birmingham’s new PlayZones.
The visit was a fantastic opportunity for local community organisations to showcase the work they are already doing to engage the local community and encourage participation in sport and physical activity.
It also provided a valuable opportunity to discuss some of the challenges involved in developing and sustaining community facilities, share learning and identify practical ways to overcome barriers together.
A special thank you also to our local partners, Aston Villa Foundation and Birmingham City Council, for supporting the day and sharing their valuable knowledge and insight.
Most importantly, the visit highlighted the passion and commitment of the organisations working directly with Birmingham communities to make the PlayZones as success.
Looking Ahead
The development of Birmingham’s PlayZones is only the beginning. Over the coming months, PlayZone Connectors will continue working closely with local residents and other community organisations to develop programmes of activity at each site.
The ambition is for each PlayZone to offer activities that are shaped by local needs, providing opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to get active, try new sports, meet others and make the most of these community spaces.
Click here to find out more about PlayZones