The Kiveton Park and Wales Community Development Trust are delighted to announce that after three years in the planning, work finally started in January on a major investment boost for the community of close to half a million pounds in a new all-weather sports facility on Colliery Road.

An extensive local consultation exercise showed overwhelming demand and support for a new sports facility on the site. A subsequent feasibility study showed that the sports facility had the potential to be self-financing and generate a surplus that could be reinvested in the community.

Having demonstrated a demand, the Trust undertook pre-feasibility work which estimated the construction costs would be in the region of £550,000. Some £200,000 of in-kind support was secured from Harsco, however additional funds were required to release this support. The Trust approached Sport England for £75,000 funding and applied to Power to Change for the remainder. In August 2015 Power to Change awarded the Trust £308,454.

Steph Hryschko, Chair of the Trust, said "We are absolutely thrilled that building has started and we will soon be close to realizing a dream. But this is not just about refurbishing a facility, but more about improving the lives of people in the community. To create a place that will be central in developing people's confidence, teamwork, discipline, health and well-being. We found the overwhelming opinion was that bringing an all-weather facility to the community would be an invaluable asset. We hope this becomes a worthwhile legacy for future generations."

The funding will provide one 9-a-side and three 5-a-side floodlit, FIFA-approved football pitches. A program of activities suitable for all age groups and abilities will be provided, including sports such as cricket, bowls, bocci and goalball. A variety of clubs and wraparound services for school children will also be operated and the Trust expects to attract over 9,000 users in the first five years.

Kiveton Community Sports Park will provide the opportunity for "all to take part and for all to succeed" regardless of age, gender, disability, race, color, or national origin.

Our aim is for as many people as possible to be able to access the facility, and we are committed to: Creating an environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to get active. We know that disabled people are less likely to take part in sport with only one in six playing sport regularly compared to one in three non-disabled people.

Our aim will seek to challenge and change this to enable disabled people to take part in sport. This is why we believe there should be no barriers to those who wish to access and use this facility, particularly if they are from groups who are currently under-represented in sport.

Sports for the visually impaired include:

• Bocci ball
• Tag Rugby
• Goalball
• Zorb ball
• Walking Football

Visit www.kivetonsportspark.co.uk to learn more.