New partnership for Cantley Park

Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Football Association (BBFA) will take on the day-to-day management of the buildings and grass pitches at Cantley Park in Wokingham.

The new partnership between the football association and Wokingham Borough Council began this month. 

Cantley Park is home to seven grass football pitches, a 3G artificial grass pitch, tennis courts, archery facilities, community spaces and a range of sports clubs. 

The site also includes a pavilion with changing facilities and rooms available for community hire.

Under the agreement, BBFA will be responsible for the management, operation and development of the main football facilities, including the pavilion, changing rooms, grass football pitches and 3G pitch.

The wider park, surrounding open spaces and other buildings on the site will continue to be managed and maintained by the council.

The park will remain open and accessible to residents at all times, with the café in the pavilion being refreshed and due to re-open later this month. 

Better pitches and football facilities

Through its management of the football facilities, BBFA will focus on enhancing the quality of pitches and associated facilities, increasing participation opportunities and ensuring the site continues to support local grassroots football and community use.

Liz Verrall, Chief Executive of BBFA, said: “We’re incredibly excited to take on the operation of Cantley Park. 

"By working closely with Wokingham Borough Council, existing users and the local community, we want to ensure Cantley Park continues to grow as a vibrant, accessible hub that supports people of all ages to be active, engaged and inspired.

“This is an opportunity to create a legacy for the area. 

"This is about more than managing a site - it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive space where the community can come together and build a place where more people feel connected through sport and physical activity.”

'An exciting new chapter'

Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, said: "This partnership with the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Football Association marks an exciting new chapter for football facilities at Cantley Park.

“By bringing their expertise in grassroots football and facility management, we're ensuring that the pitches, pavilion and changing facilities are maintained to a high standard and used to their full potential.

“Importantly, the wider park will remain open and accessible to residents, while benefiting from continued investment in sports facilities, including a refreshed pavilion café and enhanced community spaces.

“This partnership enables the council and BBFA to work together to support participation in sport, improve local facilities and ensure Cantley Park remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike."

The site is home to South Berkshire Hockey Club, as well as a range of other sports clubs and community groups. 

It is also used for tennis, archery and a variety of recreational activities. A new play area with interactive equipment was opened at the park in 2022.