A brand new £1m football pitch officially launched in Kettering three months ago will finally open after legal issues left it padlocked and unused.

Representatives from Northamptonshire Football Association (NFA), the Football Foundation and North Northants Council (NNC) had gathered to celebrate the formal launch of Kettering Sports Park on August 5.

But no teams have been able to use or book the facility in the 14 weeks since the ribbon was cut at the state-of-the-art 3G all-weather astroturf pitch on the KLV estate.

'Frustrating' legal delays see brand new £1m Kettering 3G pitch locked and unuse...

The £1m pitch at Kettering Sports Park could not be used for more than three months /National World

A spokesman for North Northants Council said: “The lease for Kettering Sports Park was successfully completed earlier this week. This marks an exciting milestone for the site and for local football development.

“From Friday evening, (November 14), the Northamptonshire Football Association (NFA) will begin working with local clubs to access the pitch.

"We are delighted that the NFA will now take on the management of this site. Their involvement will bring a wide range of opportunities to develop football at a grassroots level, supporting local players and clubs across the community.”

Over the weekend, the NFA will host girls’ 3v3 sessions on Saturday and further football activities on Sunday.

The official opening event on August 5, 2025 - the £1m pitch at Kettering Sports Park could not be used for more than three months /National World

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.

While the 3G pitch, equipped with new fencing, LED floodlights and a spectator area remained unused, the adjoining newly-refurbished sports pavilion at the Kettering Town Harriers running track opened.

Members of public were able to visit the new Kettering Sports Park on a community day at the end of August but the gates have remained padlocked.

The £1m pitch at Kettering Sports Park opens this weekend after a legal issue /National World

North Northants Council has confirmed that the hold up had been due to a ‘minor amendment on the land lease’ that was awaiting sign off.

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.

Designed to deliver a ‘best-in-class experience’, the pitch is planned to be open to the wider community.