Hard work to restore pitches at Langley Avenue Sports Field has allowed Felixstowe and Walton United youth section to return after an enforced lengthy lay off. 

Felixstowe Town Council, East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council have been working together with Felixstowe School and the football club to bring the pitches back in to full use following an uncertain period during the pandemic. 

The Langley Avenue open space had become overgrown, and strewn with dog mess making the pitches unplayable for the club's young players to train and play..

Matt Hope, Seasiders' joint chairman, Matt Hope, said: "Felixstowe and Walton United would like to express our thanks for the support and assistance of Felixstowe Town Council, Felixstowe School and both East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council in enabling Langley Avenue to be transformed from an area which had become overgrown and not suitable for any sports recreation following COVID, to a suitable venue for football for the community to enjoy.

"It is heart-warming and encouraging to see what can be achieved through open, transparent dialogue and a desire to provide a community area which will offer sporting opportunities for all assisting in both physical and mental wellbeing."

Seasiders co-chair Matt Hope

The field, which is currently owned by Suffolk County Council and linked to Felixstowe School, is home to several much-needed football pitches which the club are now helping to manage.

Following the pandemic, the club has worked closely with the local councils to deal with the overgrowth and repair a gap in the fence which had allowed encroachment by dog walkers. 

The town council and the Seasiders are discussing future improvements to the site and are planning to plant more trees and hedging plants as part of the second phase of The Queen's Green Canopy tree planting.

Mayor Sharon Harkin with Actiive Town award

Felixstowe mayor Cllr Sharon Harkin, said: "The town council is delighted to be supporting Felixstowe and Walton United in restoring the sports field to full use.

"Initiatives such as this restoration that promote a fitter Felixstowe across all ages, genders and abilities are encouraged.  In particular, the world of football has changed forever, everyone is still buzzing from the Lionesses' win at 2022 European Championships.

*The public are reminded that the field is not designated open space for dog walking and a small minority of owners failing to pick up dog waste on playing pitches can put the health of players at risk. Anyone wishing to access the land for sports use should contact Felixstowe and Walton United Football Club via [email protected].