The ribbon has been cut on a new state-of-the-art FIFA Quality and World Rugby 22 3G pitch at Foulston Park – the first pitch to be created as part of Plymouth Argyle’s multi-million-pound transformation of the former Brickfields site into a centre of sporting excellence and community wellbeing.

Unique in the city, the new 3G surface has been purpose-designed for both rugby and football, creating a new focal point for community sport while also providing high-quality training facilities for Plymouth Albion RFC and Plymouth Argyle Women and Argyle Community Trust’s community programmes. The pitch has been made possible thanks to funding of £2.25m from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

It marks the second major milestone in the regeneration of Foulston Park, following the successful launch earlier this year of The Hub at Foulston Park – the vibrant community sports and wellbeing centre which has quickly become a popular destination for local residents, families, young people and community organisations.

Today’s pitch opening was attended by project partners, sponsors and community representatives. Following the ceremony, more than 60 local schoolchildren took to the new surface for a special training and activity session led jointly by coaches from Plymouth Argyle, Plymouth Albion RFC and Granby Youth FC.

Developed by Plymouth Argyle Football Club, with community use to be managed by the Argyle Community Trust, the pitch is the first of several new playing surfaces planned as part of Plymouth Argyle’s transformation of the former Brickfields Sports Centre and surrounding site into Foulston Park. The ambitious project has been delivered through a partnership involving Plymouth Argyle, Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Albion RFC and Devonport Community Leisure Limited (DCLL).

The Football Foundation have contributed over £2.2 million into the community elements of the Foulston Park development which includes investment into the 3G pitch. The pitch provides new opportunities for grassroots clubs, schools and community groups. In particular, the facility will play a key role in increasing opportunities for women and girls, and for under-represented groups, to take part in sport in a safe, inclusive and accessible environment. It will also strengthen provision for Plymouth Albion RFC.

Mark Lovell, Chief Executive Officer, Argyle Community Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted to be taking the lead on managing community access on this fantastic new facility which follows on from the success of The Hub and enhances the site’s offering even further.

“Demand for high-quality, affordable and inclusive sports facilities continues to grow and this development helps us support even more people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring Foulston Park becomes a place where everyone can participate and thrive.”

Christian Kent, Plymouth Argyle Head of Venue, Hospitality and Events, said: “Today marks another important step forward for Foulston Park and Plymouth Argyle’s long-term commitment to creating outstanding facilities which support our ambitions as a sustainable, successful football club at the heart of its local community.

“This new dual-use 3G pitch will provide a top-quality all-weather facility for local clubs, schools and community groups while playing an important role in developing talent across our Women’s and youth development teams. We are proud of what has been achieved so far at Foulston Park and excited for the next phases still to come.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

“We’re delighted that the local community in the city will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Foulston Park.”

Max Venables, Managing Director, Plymouth Albion RFC, said: “Today’s opening represents a powerful moment for sport in our city. Collaborating on a facility of this quality shows what can be achieved when partners share a clear vision for community access and player development. The new dual-use pitch will play an important role in supporting our own programme at Plymouth Albion while opening the door for even more people to engage with rugby and football in an inspiring environment. Foulston Park is becoming a destination where opportunity grows and where the next generation can take their first steps into sport. We are proud to stand alongside our partners on this journey and look forward to the momentum this development will bring for the wider community.”

Councillor Sue Dann, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, said: “This pitch sums up why the city’s commitment to Foulston Park is so important. It is about opening new opportunities for up and coming sportsmen and women, it is about players of all ages and abilities enjoying all weather facilities – particularly important at the moment with the dark and drizzly nights – and it is about making great facilities available to the wider community.

“It’s a privilege to watch these young people try out the pitch for the first time and enjoy these special training sessions from top coaches – what a treat!”

The new dual use pitch complements the existing activity at The Hub – part of Plymouth’s network of nine Wellbeing Hubs – which offers a gym, multi-use rooms, e-sports and youth spaces, a café and a wide range of wellbeing services delivered by local partners.

The wider Foulston Park development which is set to open in late summer 2026 will include:

  • A new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s Academy and Plymouth Argyle Women
  • Extensive community and sport facilities which will include:
    • New grass and all-weather 3G pitches
    • Athletics facilities for the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and other users
    • Play zone exclusively for public use
  • Better public access, landscaped public areas and parking

Bookings for the new pitch can be made by emailing: thehub@foulstonpark.co.uk