Published: Thursday, 18th December 2025
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has put forward its first preferred project to get national football funding for a new 3G pitch – with hopefully more sites coming in future.
Earlier this year, the council, Norfolk County FA and Football Foundation started a process to identify a preferred site for a pitch in each of three locations where there is currently a shortfall of these facilities: King’s Lynn, Downham Market, and West (Terrington/Clenchwarton area).
After inviting expressions of interest from eligible organisations to develop their sites, a multi-stage independent evaluation identified King’s Lynn Academy as the successful submission. The academy now has the go-ahead to develop their project further during 2026 and make a submission for Football Foundation funding. Under the proposal, there will be separate dedicated sessions for school use and for public use.
Several other proposed sites also scored well, including in Downham Market and West. However, these proposals are at an early stage, not yet ready to put forward. The organisations behind these sites now have an opportunity to undertake further project development and identify the partnership funding required, so they can be considered again.
Councillor Simon Ring, the Deputy Council Leader, said: “We are fully committed to tackling the shortage and addressing the demand for 3G pitches in the borough, working with local organisations, Norfolk County FA and the Football Foundation, to help boost local sport, health and wellbeing opportunities for our communities.
“I am very pleased this independent evaluation has identified our first project which is ready to go forward for national funding for a 3G pitch, this will be a great benefit for the public and the school. There is still Football Foundation funding available for our area and I really hope some of the organisations in Downham Market and the West will develop their projects further and get back in touch.
“In the meantime, we look forward to supporting King’s Lynn Academy with the next stage of their funding submission and I would like to thank everyone who has engaged in this positive process so far.”
King’s Lynn Academy is part of the Eastern Multi Academy Trust and Paul Shanks, CEO, added: “We are thrilled for King’s Lynn Academy and the wider community that the academy has been selected as the preferred site for a new 3G pitch.
“The academy is undergoing significant investment through its current expansion and this project will secure a vital facility for both the school and community groups. We look forward to seeing the project progress and welcoming the wider community to our academy.”