Four Haxby sports clubs are teaming up to transform the Ethel Ward Playing Fields – and they need your help.
The courts at Ethel Ward Playing Fields are in urgent need of refurbishment. Last resurfaced in 1999, it has become dangerously slippery in wet or icy conditions with the single-sport design leaving them underused.
Haxby Netball Club, Haxby Runners, and Haxby Town Junior and Senior Football Clubs are collaborating to turn the site into a safe, inclusive multi-sport hub for all ages and abilities.
Currently, hundreds of junior footballers and netball players from Haxby must train and compete elsewhere due to the conditions, which increases costs and discourages participation.
The project is a chance to create a shared space that serves the wider community.
The clubs have launched a crowdfunder to help raise the money needed for the transformation.
The fundraising goal is £75,000, which will be used to:
- Install a durable, low-maintenance, all-weather multi-sports surface
- Support local teams currently training outside Haxby
- Increase access for all ages and abilities
- Provide a safe space for warm-ups, fitness, and informal play
- Improve physical and mental wellbeing
- Reduce anti-social behaviour by enhancing green spaces
- Lower road miles and carbon emissions
- Fund Mental Health First Aid for Sport training
- If possible, convert floodlights to solar energy
There are many ways for people to get involved with the campaign, such as making a pledge or donation to the crowdfunder, sharing the project on social media, local businesses can donate rewards for supporters – or run your own fundraiser for the project!
Find out more and make a donation to the Transformation of Haxby’s Ethel Ward Sport Courts at their Crowdfunder page here.
