Whittington Park football pitch reopens with brand new surface

The football pitch, which provides a valuable and much-loved space for local communities to play, train and compete, was reaching the end of its lifespan, and was in need of replacement.  

The new surface will continue to allow full size 11 v 11 games to take place as well as markings for 7v7 games, enabling a variety of team sizes and age groups to be accommodated. The site will also be piloting 3v3 markings ahead of the introduction by the FA of new formats for the 2026/27 season. 

Islington Borough Ladies FC (IBLFC), who are regular users of the pitch, run sessions for women and girls of all ages, from the Wildcats (girls aged five to 11), to older women and everything in between.

They run training sessions, fun sessions, as well as teams, from 5 a side to 11 a side, for those looking to play socially and competitively. 

“IBLFC now has over 500 members, 400 of those playing recreationally, which is incredible and just goes to show the appetite for women's football and growth of the game. We really welcome the new pitch surface at Whittington Park, which will enable more women and girls to thrive and further develop their skills,” commented Michael MacNeill, Secretary. 

Cllr Sara Hyde Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: "Keeping active and getting involved in team sports can be of huge benefit to our mental and physical health and wellbeing.

"In Islington, we have a proud history of supporting women and girl’s football and providing good quality spaces to train and play are an important part of this.  

"The newly replaced pitch surface at Whittington Park will provide a much-improved playing experience for local people.  I look forward to seeing the women and girls of IBLFC and all the other teams that call Whittington Park their home, making use of the pitch and having a great time!"