Summary: The Jericho Lane Football Hub is a state-of-the-art facility that has helped to transform football in Liverpool. With several pitches, an indoor training facility and more, it serves as a key hub for both professional clubs and local community teams.
1. The Hub’s Origins
The Jericho Lane Football Hub was the result of a joint venture between the Football Foundation, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool County FA. The project involved the redevelopment of the former Barclays Bank Sports Ground in the Otterspool area of Liverpool, which had fallen into disrepair. The aim was to create a modern, sustainable sports facility that could cater for the needs of both the professional game and grassroots football.
The £8.2 million development was funded by the Football Foundation, which provided the majority of the funding, along with a contribution from the Council. The new pitches were built to the highest standards, with the latest drainage systems, irrigation and floodlighting technology, as well as changing rooms, showers and other facilities.
The result is a facility that can host everything from competitive matches to training sessions and community events. As well as being a key resource for the local community, it has also attracted the attention of professional clubs, who have used it as a training base before big matches or as a venue for pre-season friendlies.
2. The Facilities on Offer
The Jericho Lane Football Hub incorporates a range of facilities that make it a hub for football in Liverpool. The main feature is the outdoor playing pitches, which include three full-sized 3G artificial grass pitches, one full-size natural turf pitch, and two mini pitches. There are also covered dugouts, spectator seating, and designated areas for disabled access.
In addition to the outdoor pitches, the Hub boasts an indoor FIFA-standard futsal pitch, which is perfect for training sessions during the winter months. There is also a state-of-the-art gymnasium and fitness suite, which is open to members of the public as well as professional athletes.
The Hub has also invested in technology to enhance the experience of visitors. For example, all the pitches are equipped with cameras that can track player movement and provide data on performance, while the indoor facility has a video analysis room where players and coaches can review their performance and identify areas for improvement.
3. Serving the Local Community
One of the key aims of the Jericho Lane Football Hub project was to create a facility that could serve the needs of the local community. As well as providing high-quality playing surfaces, it also serves as a hub for community events and education programmes.
For example, the Hub runs regular coaching clinics and development programmes for young people, in partnership with local schools and community groups. This has helped to develop local talent and give aspiring young players access to top-quality training facilities.
The Hub also provides meeting rooms and conference facilities for local businesses and community groups, which has helped to bring people together and foster community spirit. It has become a popular venue for everything from fitness classes to youth club events.
4. Attracting Professional Clubs
The quality of the facilities at the Jericho Lane Football Hub has not gone unnoticed by professional clubs in the region. A number of clubs have used the facility as a base for pre-season training or as a venue for friendly matches.
For example, in the summer of 2019, Liverpool FC used the Hub as their main training base before their Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur. The club was impressed with the quality of the facilities, particularly the outdoor pitches, which were described as some of the best in the country.
Other clubs, including Everton FC and Tranmere Rovers, have also used the Hub for training and coaching sessions, strengthening its reputation as a key resource for football in Liverpool.
5. Future Developments
The Jericho Lane Football Hub has been a huge success since it opened in 2018, but there are plans to develop it even further in the coming years. The facility is set to expand its indoor facilities, with plans to add a new sports hall and additional pitches for futsal and other indoor sports.
There are also plans to increase community engagement, with the aim of attracting even more local players and teams to use the Hub’s facilities. This could involve running more coaching clinics and talent development programmes, as well as partnering with local businesses to promote sporting events and activities.
Meanwhile, the Hub will continue to attract the attention of professional clubs, who will no doubt be eager to make use of its world-class facilities.
Conclusion:
The Jericho Lane Football Hub has helped to transform football in Liverpool, providing world-class facilities for players at every level of the game. From the outdoor pitches to the indoor facility and everything in between, the Hub is a key resource for professional clubs and local community teams alike. With plans to expand and develop the site even further, it looks set to remain a vital hub for football in the region for years to come.