Celebrating one year of Banbury Playzones

The Playzone project was delivered in partnership between Cherwell District Council, Banbury Town Council and the Football Foundation and attracts over 100 monthly bookings, providing safe, accessible opportunities for sport, wellbeing and social connection.

Councillor Dr Lisa Smith, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said: “The Playzones in Banbury are a great asset to the community and are widely used by a variety of individuals and groups across a range of age groups. They have provided an excellent space for physical activity, encouraging healthy lifestyles and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be active and feel safe.

"I would strongly recommend residents from all backgrounds to find out more and get involved and discover their mutual passion for sport.”

Since opening, maintenance and booking of the Playzones has been overseen by Banbury Town Council. Over the last 12 months, these spaces have become thriving hubs for sport and activity, with a variety of community groups and sports clubs taking advantage of the new facilities both for training and recreational sessions. Notably, many local youth football clubs have benefitted from both Playzone sites, which have allowed the teams to continue play even during darker, wetter winter months. Cllr Shaida Hussain, Leader of Banbury Town Council, says, “The Playzones have been a great success and are a real asset to the Banbury community.”

Yasmin from Banbury Madni Mosque who regularly use the Chandos Close Playzone, said: “Our rounders programme provides a welcoming entry point into sport for women, girls and families, with 37 participants registered, ranging from 10 to 59 years old. The sessions help to support confidence and the wellbeing and the Playzone strengthens local engagement, increases physical activity levels and provides sustainable pathways into regular exercise”.

Participants of the Mosque sessions have said:

• The Playzone gives us somewhere safe and welcoming to be active.
• It’s the only low-cost space where our youth can play football regularly.
• As a woman, I never felt confident joining sports before.
• Our mosque group uses Playzone every Thursday. It’s a blessing for the community.

Oxford United in the Community has been a key partner in providing accessible football sessions for children and young people at the Playzone in Princess Diana Park. Their sessions have focused on using the power of football to inspire young people who might not have access to other opportunities.  Young people have also benefited from the opportunity to take part in coaching qualifications.  Mark, from Oxford United in the Community said “Having use of a facility that is right in the very heart of the community is key to the work we are doing within the area. This means that young people can attend knowing there is a free football session each week that they can attend, feel safe, learn and meet friends. It is convenient for young people as it is easily accessible for them without the need for too much transport and gives them a safe space with an all-weather, floodlit pitch which ensures that the sessions continue regardless of time of year and weather”.

In addition, the Youth Activators at Cherwell District Council have used the Playzones to run free physical activity sessions over the half terms and summer holidays. The sessions have provided younger residents with the chance to learn and develop new skills, meet new friends and improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

For more information or to book a Playzone, please visit banbury.gov.uk/playzones.

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