Bristol City FC's charity takes on ownership of community football fields in Knowle West to secure future
Bristol City’s charity foundation has taken on ownership of community football fields in South Bristol, it has announced.
The Robins has now completed the transfer of Filwood Playing Fields in Knowle West from national charity Fields in Trust.
The foundation plans to work in partnership with Mendip Broadwalk FC, the grassroots club based at the site, and Bristol City Council, to secure its long-term future.
The partnership is focused on enhancing local facilities and increasing opportunities for young people, including through a new multi-use games area on the fields.
Dan White, Bristol City Robins Foundation CEO, said: “We are committed to working alongside Mendip Broadwalk FC and the council to ensure this site is protected and enhanced for the benefit of the local community.
“This land has been a vital space for sport and recreation, and we look forward to working together to secure its long-term future.”
The collaboration marks the first step in a wider commitment to improving grassroots football and other sport, community engagement and educational provision in the area.
Bristol City Council’s Filwood ward councillors Rob Logan and Lisa Durston added: “We are pleased to see Bristol City Robins Foundation planning to bring new sporting facilities to Filwood Playing Fields, including a new publicly accessible multi-use games area to be enjoyed by all.
“The enhanced sports, education and community facilities at Filwood Playing fields will be delivered alongside £30million of council investment in the Transforming Filwood Broadway regeneration works at the neighbouring Filwood Broadway high street.
“We’re excited to work with Bristol City Robins Foundation to extend the sporting facilities at the site subject to planning, and secure its long-term benefit to the community.”
READ MORE: Bristol City and Rovers to face off in special football match - here’s why and how to get ticket
The Robins Foundation has entered into a deed of dedication with Fields in Trust, which guarantees that, whilst the land changes ownership, the site will always remain a dedicated space for sport, education, and community activity for generations to come.
Helen Griffiths, CEO of Fields in Trust, said: “From our long-standing relationship with Bristol Council, we know how important green space is to the local community and are delighted that as a result of this transfer to Bristol City Robins Foundation along with their partners Mendip Broadwalk FC, access to facilities for sport, play and recreation for local people will be improved.
“Fields in Trust’s protection of the space will ensure it continues to be available for future generations to enjoy.”
Further details on development plans and future improvements will be shared in due course as the project progresses.