Booking issues spark new £1m Kettering all-weather football pitch awareness campaign
An awareness campaign to encourage the use of a brand new £1m Kettering football pitch will be needed after booking issues have emerged.
The all-weather 3G pitch was officially launched in Kettering at the beginning of August and finally opened last month after legal issues had left it padlocked and unused.
No teams had been able to use or book the facility in the 14 weeks since the ribbon was cut at the state-of-the-art astroturf pitch on the KLV estate.
Due to a new provider being used for the bookings, people have had difficulties booking the pitch.
A spokesperson for North Northamptonshire Council said: “The all-weather pitch at Thurston Drive, Kettering is open for public hire, with bookings available for both the 3G pitch, athletics track and pavilion.
“The site’s partner football clubs have been using the facility since November 14, and other recent sessions have seen strong community engagement, including over 50 girls aged seven to eight enjoying three-a-side football games, and the site has also hosted inter-school fixtures during the week.
“To further raise awareness, Northamptonshire FA will soon launch a public campaign promoting the facilities and the new booking process. This campaign is scheduled to roll out ahead of Christmas. In the meantime, anyone wishing to make a booking can contact Chloe Britton at the NFA.
“We are aware that some outdated information about booking and availability remains on legacy web pages, including those of a previous provider. Steps have been taken to ensure this information is removed.”
The facility was designed to build on the Euros success of England’s female footballers with £810,330 granted by the Lionesses Futures Fund – topped up by a North Northamptonshire Council award of £150,000 and a Northamptonshire Football Association award of £50,000.
Construction work at the Kettering Sports Park began in March 2025 under the previous Conservative-run North Northants Council.
As a Lionesses Futures Fund site, the new pitch in Kettering will prioritise access for women and girls through reserved peak-time slots and inclusive, welcoming changing facilities.
To book the pitch email [email protected].