Tommy Dace with Alan Wiley
Tommy Dace with Alan Wiley

More than 300 Burntwood residents attended a festival of football to celebrate the opening of a brand new pavilion. 

Lichfield District Council, in partnership with Hammerwich Parish Council, held the free event on August 9 to kick-off life at the new pavilion at Hospital Road playing fields.

More than 50 young footie fans, aged five to 13, battled it out on the panna football pitch (played inside an inflatable ring), as well as taking part in keep uppy competitions, target shooting, beat the keeper, speed gun challenges, and five-a-side football games.

After the football competitions, top Premier League referee and Burntwood resident, Alan Wiley opened the £430,885 pavilion. The Festival was then rounded off with Alan refereeing a match between Chasetown and Burntwood Dragons. In a tightly fought game Chasetown came out on top, winning 4 – 3.

Councillor Val Richards, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said:

“The day was a tremendous success, attracting around three hundred spectators and young players. This festival was a wonderful way to celebrate this fantastic new pavilion. I am sure the many local football clubs, who are set to use the facility, will be impressed with it and will enjoy it for years to come.”  

The pavilion features four changing rooms, an officials’ room and a kitchen. Funding for the building came from the Football Foundation, who provided a grant of £230,885, and the Highways Agency – who funded £200,000 of the project to compensate for the loss of Jubilee Park – owing to the M6 Toll.

Lee Mitchell, Luke Hale, Lewis Crook, Jay Lawton, Luis Painter, Jack Garbett and Matthew Bennett
Lee Mitchell, Luke Hale, Lewis Crook, Jay Lawton, Luis Painter, Jack Garbett and Matthew Bennett

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Mrs Julie Bennett
14 years ago

Would like to say what a great day both my kids at the opening of the Pavilion. Wonderful to have such superb facilities in Hammerwich. Would it be possible to get a copy of the photograph of the players sitting on the panna football pitch – my son is one of them. Happy to give donation for costs. Many thanks.