Published: Friday, 27th February 2026
New sports mini-pitches are set to be built at three sites by Medway Council, thanks to an investment of £694,488 from the Football Foundation.
The three PlayZone sites will be established at The Strand in Gillingham, Deangate Ridge in Hoo and Maidstone Road Sports Ground in Chatham to provide people with access to high quality grassroots sports facilities.
The grant has been awarded from the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Foundation, and building work is set to begin in the coming weeks.
PlayZones are safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor mini pitches that can be used for football and other sports, and the usage will be designed following recent public consultation with Medway residents.
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage Culture and Leisure, said: “This new funding from the Football Foundation is going to make a big positive difference to our sports facilities and add a much-needed boost to our local communities across Medway. Encouraging sports and making it accessible is one of the best ways we can improve people’s health and wellbeing across Medway, while building stronger communities. I am very pleased that we are delivering these PlayZones by working in partnership with the Football Foundation and know that they will be fantastic places for our communities to keep fit, make friends and have fun.”
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 is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”