Great result for local community as team effort sees football goals installed

04 October 2022

There’ll be no more need for jumpers for goalposts at one Kettering park after North Northamptonshire Council teamed up with the local community.

Two full-sized goalposts have been installed on parkland in Thurston Drive, Kettering, paid for from council funds and a locally-run internet crowd-funding page spearheaded by local man Rhys Alford.

With a nearby full-sized pitch out of action after it was condemned Mr Alford started to raise money for improved football facilities.

Adding to the community contributions – the council offered funds from its grounds maintenance and leisure budgets towards the cost of the goals.

I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with local people to make this happen and provided some much-needed goals in this part of the town.

I hope they bring real joy to footballers young and old – and who knows what young talent may emerge!Cllr Helen Howell, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

The local residents have shown real determination and drive to improve football facilities in their area and this is commendable. I’m delighted that we were able to help take this forward, leaving a great result for all.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

Thanks to the people of Kettering’s fundraising efforts joint with the work from the council, I’m extremely pleased we have created a new and safe space for children to play football.

Our kids deserve to have places they can socialise and enjoy themselves without having to worry about the troubles of the streets, hopefully this is a great addition to the cause.Rhys Alford

Meanwhile, the council is working to bring the nearby full-sized astro-turf pitch back into use.

Following a surface safety test carried out in 2019, the pitch was condemned due to the playing surface not meeting the necessary safety standards.

The council is now working with the Football Foundation to take forward a project to see a new playing surface installed.