Barrack Park Transformation Welcomes Young Footballers With New Pitch and Goals in Hulme
Barrack Park in Hulme has recently welcomed a new addition that promises to make a lasting impact on the local community. Thanks to a collaborative effort, Manchester is delighted to welcome a newly refurbished community football pitch including new junior football goals and turf to Barrack Park in Hulme, that aims to inspire young people to get active and enjoy the game.
This project was funded by Manchester City Councils Neighbourhood Investment Renewal Programme and was developed collaboratively with partners and elected ward councillors; Annette Wright, Lee Glover and Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods Cllr Lee-Anne Igbon, Manchester Active, Manchester City Council Neighbourhood team, Parks and community leader Mike Edwards.
As a result of this collective work, the park has been transformed into a revitalised space where young players from the local community can safely enjoy recreational football.
This initiative builds on the existing Grass Pitch Maintenance Programme in place with East Central Falcons FC, which requires the primary 11v11 football pitch to rest over the summer after an enhanced maintenance program is delivered. In response to the need for ongoing recreational access, partners worked together to address issues at Barrack Park including unsafe ground conditions.
With Neighbourhood Investment Renewal Programme funding, experts removed debris, rehabilitated the turf, and ensured the area met safety standards for community use. Additionally, brand-new goals and netting were installed, giving local youth and families a designated space to play football, stay active, and engage with the sport right in their neighbourhood.
The recent launch event brought together community members and key stakeholders to celebrate the reopening of this new space.
Organised youth programs are in development to make this a long-term resource, breaking down barriers to participation and encouraging regular activity.
With a new maintenance budget set for next year, Barrack Park’s community football pitch is well on its way to becoming a sustainable and inclusive space that encourages young people and the local community to prioritise health, embrace active lifestyles and thrive.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods Said;
“Investing in our local parks and facilities is about creating opportunities for young people to stay active, develop skills, and participate in a safe, supportive environment.
I am delighted to welcome this fantastic new space in the heart of Hulme. This project at Barrack Park highlights what can be achieved when community groups, partners, and local leaders unite to make spaces that truly belong to everyone.
By making access to physical activity easier and investing in community recreation facilities in places like Barrack Park, we break down barriers to participation and build a more welcoming environment for the surrounding neighbourhood to get outside and play”.
