Players kick off on new-look £350,000 football pitches in Islington's parks

As the World Cup action heats up in Russia, footballers in Islington are kicking off on three newly-refurbished pitches in borough parks.

Thanks to a £350,000 investment, pitches in Paradise Park, Rosemary Gardens and Whittington Park have new shock pads and 3G Astro Turf.

Whittington Park - the home of women’s football in Islington - also has new goals and line markings. More women’s teams are now being invited to join the successful Islington Women’s Football League (IWFL) on Tuesday evenings at Whittington Park. Anyone interested can contact Chloe.Copsey@GLL.org

Cllr Janet Burgess, Islington Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “These fantastic resurfaced pitches in our pitches are a great place to have fun, and to help our residents stay fit and healthy.

“Footballers can now play on these brand-new, top quality 3G surfaces in Islington and we look forward to welcoming new teams, especially women’s teams who want to play at Whittington Park.”

Money for the refurbishment came from s106 contributions from developers in Islington. The pitches are owned by Islington Council and run by leisure partner GLL.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• The IWFL stands to provide the women of Islington and surrounding areas and opportunity to play in a small-sided, female only, competitive football league at Whittington Park’s three 7v7 pitches on Tuesday evenings
• There are two divisions – Division 1 may be suitable for players already playing in competitive club football and Division 2 aimed at slightly less experienced and younger players (might be suitable for U17 / 18 teams)
• Teams need to have seven or more players available to play each Tuesday at 7-8pm, 8-9pm, or 9-10pm
• A new beginners group is due to start at Islington Borough Ladies FC in Whittington Park from September, with a weekly kick-around on Tuesday at Whittington Park. Any female players or teams of any ability who are interested in playing football in Islington can contact Peter.Samways@GLL.org

For further information please contact:
Chris Roe, Media Manager
Tel: 020 7527 8751
Alternative contact - Media team: 020 7527 2307
Out of hours: 07769 163303
Email: chris.roe@islington.gov.uk
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