Coventry residents are set for a major boost to local sport and physical activity, as six new PlayZones open across the city.
The first facilities, funded by the Football Foundation, are set to open at Longford Park and Jardine Crescent.
Further ones are being developed at Edgwick Park, and Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre, Willenhall Brookstray and Virginia Road in Hillfields.
PlayZones are modern, safe and accessible spaces designed to encourage year-round sport, physical activity and community use.
The programme has transformed five existing Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) into modern, high-quality spaces for community sport and activity, while the Willenhall Brookstray site will see the build of brand-new facilities where none previously existed.
Delivered by Coventry City Council alongside the Football Foundation and community partners, the new facilities will provide high-quality spaces for residents of all ages to get active.
Each PlayZone has been shaped through extensive engagement with local residents and more than 70 community partners to ensure the facilities meet local needs and priorities.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “The PlayZones are a key part of our strategy to support grassroots sport, tackle physical activity inequality and increase participation in movement across the city.
“By working closely with the Football Foundation and community partners, we’ve made sure these facilities meet local needs and can be used for a range of activities – from football and netball to cricket and basketball.
“It will be fantastic to see the first PlayZones opening, as we have worked hard to secure the funding and want to thank all the partners that have made this a reality.
“There are more set to follow throughout the summer. This is about creating a lasting legacy for community sport in Coventry and giving residents more opportunities to utilise our parks and green spaces to move more and support healthy lifestyles.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “I hope these fantastic PlayZones will be a great source of pride for the local community across Coventry who helped shape and deliver the project. Without their input these PlayZones simply wouldn’t exist.
“Thanks to the funding we receive from our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation will be delivering over 200 PlayZones like this one across the country.”
Adam Bettison, PCSO at West Midlands Police, added: “Sport is widely recognised to help reduce anti-social behaviour by diverting youth from crime, building discipline, and breaking down barriers between marginalised groups and authorities.
“We hope that the PlayZones are used as a hook to get young people in safe environments, pairing them with trusted mentors who deliver life skills alongside coaching.
“These Football Foundation PlayZones are more than just pitches – they’re places where children and families can feel safe, be active, and build lasting friendships where every child can play, grow, and thrive in their local community.”
Construction work on the PlayZone at Willenhall Brookstray is set to start on 3 August 2026, with all PlayZones scheduled to open later in the summer and into autumn this year.
Facilities at the six PlayZones include:
- Longford Park – A 3G all-weather football pitch with integrated goals.
- Edgwick Park – A new 2G football and cricket PlayZone featuring a cricket wicket and all-weather surface.
- Jardine Crescent – A 2G multi-sport surface for football and netball with integrated goals.
- Moat House – A 3G football pitch offering a high-quality playing surface for local children and teams.
- Virginia Road – A refurbished tarmac multi-use PlayZone for football, basketball and netball.
- Willenhall Brookstray – A new-build 2G multi-sport surface for football and netball with integrated goals