North Hertfordshire has a new football facility, after Hitchin Town officially opened a new facility, dubbed ‘The Arena’ on Friday 9 May.

The development was part-funded by the Football Foundation, Hertfordshire County Council and The Department for Children, Schools and Families and features a full-size, artificial football pitch, which can be adapted for multi-group use.

The Arena was unveiled at Hitchin Town Community Football Club by Community and Development Manager, Mark Burke, with a host of former professional players.

Burke commented, “We were delighted to welcome guests from the Football Foundation, Hertfordshire Football Association and former International players Kingsley Black, Ricky Hill, Tony Galvin as well as former Littlewoods Cup winner Rob Johnson and Wayne Turner and we hope that The Arena will help many more players to enjoy the passion for football and to be able to develop in their sport.”

“We’re already seeing lots of new players across the ages and will welcome new groups and individuals who want to benefit from the facilities we have here.”

The launch event featured a range of on-pitch activities, including a mini-match by Ability Counts, a training session with the Hitchin Town Scholarship Scheme and multi-sports activities with children from Oughton Primary School, who are part of the Playing for Success Scheme. 

The children also had the chance to interview former Coventry City player and Stevenage Borough FC Manager, Wayne Turner.

The Arena is expected to host holiday coaching courses as well as providing pitch facilities for clubs in the local area.