Greenfield Academy is fast becoming the beating heart of local community sport and leisure, opening its doors after hours so that the wider community can make full use of its facilities. Whether you’re lacing up your boots for five-a-side football, getting together for a game of netball, or even hosting your child’s birthday party. The Academy has become a hub for grassroots sport and leisure in the area.
Following the school’s transition to Academy status in 2023, Greenfield partnered with ALP Active, a lettings organisation owned by the school’s trust (Advance Learning Partnership) to manage and grow its community sports provision. Since then, usage of the facilities has boomed, with more bookings than ever lined up for the upcoming academic year.
Thanks to ongoing re-investment from ALP Active and grant funding, the school continues to benefit from improved facilities. This summer, the grass football pitches underwent upgrades as part of a funding partnership with the Football Foundation and have now officially reopened, enabling local teams to play their home fixtures on good quality pitches. The organisation is going beyond sport too, offering a free holiday club this summer through a partnership with Durham County Council. The scheme is designed to support families most in need across the local area and reflects ALP Active’s growing role in the community.
With a brand-new school building under construction in the background, Greenfield and ALP Active are continuing to expand access to sport, increase participation, and support local people to stay active. Their efforts were recently recognised with a nomination for the Community Champion award at the Aycliffe Business Awards, a testament to their dedication to community sport and outreach.
To find out more about ALP Active’s work at Greenfield, follow ALP Active at Greenfield Academy on social media, call 01325 379047, or email greenfield@alpactive.org.uk
Photo: Recent game between Newton Aycliffe Juniors FC and Heighington FC on Greenfield’s new 7v7 grass pitch.