Latest news with #JackFerguson
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Basildon Council expresses interest in new state-of-the-art sports facility
Potential future Premier League football stars could soon train at a new state-of-the-art facility in Basildon. Basildon Council has expressed interest in a government scheme to bring a top-notch sports hub to the borough. Advertisement The Football Foundation programme has been seeking authorities to partner with to help bring change to the grassroots game by creating a modern sports hub, which would offer top quality sporting facilities all year round. The services supported by the hub would be based on demand in the area, but typically include two full-size floodlit 3G pitches, a car park, a café and changing rooms. Basildon Council has put forward an expression of interest to the Football Foundation, pinpointing potential sites including Eversley Park, Gloucester Park, and Holy Cross Recreation Ground. The programme draws investment from the Premier League, FA, and Sport England. Advertisement Jack Ferguson, councillor responsible for culture, sport, children, and young people, expressed the council's desire to make it a "go-to" destination for sports. He said: "The hubs programme is an exciting prospect for Basildon, which could bring a much-needed boost to the grassroots game, offering a host of other facilities that will benefit the wider community – and who knows, maybe it will produce a future star of the Premier League. "This reaffirms our commitment to create a healthier, happier Basildon and outlines our desire to make our borough a go-to destination for sporting and entertainment facilities." The site would operate on a not-for-profit basis, with the council and other organisations acting as trustees. Advertisement Any extra income from the facility would be funnelled back into local grassroots sports, creating a sustainable future for the industry. Basildon Council is now waiting for the Football Foundation's decision before choosing to submit a formal application.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Registration opens for Basildon's first ever half marathon
RUNNERS in Basildon are set to hit the streets as the town holds its first half-marathon later this year. The Basildon Half Marathon will be organised by RunThroughUK and will see amateurs and athletes from across the borough test their metal on Sunday September 14. Registration is now open for the event, which promises to be a 'supportive and rewarding' challenge for runners of all abilities. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. 'This is an exciting time for our borough - the first ever Basildon Half Marathon,' said Jack Ferguson, Labour councillor for culture, sport, children and young people. 'RunThroughUK have hosted events all over the UK, and now they're coming to Basildon to get runners of all abilities involved. 'I can't wait to see everyone at the start line on September 14 - it's going to be an incredible day.' RunThroughUK organises and hosts running challenges across the country, but this year's will be the first half marathon to take place in Basildon. Excitement - Council leader, Gavin Callaghan, has welcomed Basildon's first ever half marathon (Image: Basildon Council) A spokesperson for RunThroughUK said: 'Whether you're chasing a new PB or completing your first ever half marathon, everyone is invited to be part of this fun, supportive race day. 'The course offers a mixture of urban and countryside roads with gentle undulations, making it both a rewarding challenge and a great day out. 'With a Junior Race included, it's a family-friendly event perfect for getting young runners involved too.' In addition to a child-friendly race, the half marathon is also set to feature a 'vibrant event village' complete with food, drinks and music. Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, is keen to make the upcoming half marathon a community-wide event. 'If you want to raise money for charity, if you want to walk it, if you want to get involved in anyway, then please do,' he said. 'It's going to be a great event, if you're not going to run, make sure you've got the date in your diary so you can come out and cheer from the side-lines.' Basildon Half Marathon will take place on Sunday September 14 and you can sign up at
