Former players Anton Ferdinand and Fara Williams joined Trustees from the Football Foundation’s funding partners – Richard Masters (Premier League), Mark Bullingham (The FA), and Simon Hayes (Sport England) – at a recent celebration event to mark 25 years of the Football Foundation driving grassroots impact.
The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation commemorated the milestone at Burgess Park Sports Centre, which opened in June 2025 thanks to a £2.4million grant.
The unique partnership between the Premier League, The FA and Government formed at the turn of the century with the goal of providing grassroots facility improvements for all.
The Foundation has made a significant impact across the country since 2000, funding 1,300 3G football turf pitches, 15,000 grass pitches and 1,700 changing rooms, inspiring healthier lives and strengthening communities every day.
Reflecting on 25 years of impact, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We are proud to have co-funded the development of grassroots facilities through the Football Foundation since it formed 25 years ago, enabling millions of people to lead more active lives.
“The Premier League is committed to supporting every level of the game, and providing pitches and facilities that benefit people across the country is a key part of that. The new development at Burgess Park is a great example of the many sites that have been improved through Football Foundation investment. Its positive impact on the local community will be felt for years to come.
“It is thanks to the ongoing success and growth of English football that we can continue to deliver vital funds into the Football Foundation, in partnership with The FA and the Government.”
Having grown up minutes from Burgess Park in Southwark, London and played there as a child, former Premier League star Anton Ferdinand (pictured above, left, alongside Williams) returned to witness the improvement in the facilities over 25 years: “I’ve seen first hand the impact of Football Foundation-supported facilities in south London and the country more widely and am delighted to be here to celebrate 25 years of investment into the game I love.
“These young people are so lucky to have such brilliant facilities, a luxury not all of us have had! I’m excited to see the impact of facilities like this in shaping the next generation of players at all levels.”
Shortly after the celebration at Burgess Park, former Sunderland player Kevin Phillips returned to the city in which he scored 139 Premier League goals to open a new Football Foundation PlayZone.
The PlayZone, which also received funding from EA SPORTS FC FUTURES, provides a small-sided facility designed by the local community to host football, netball and basketball. It is one of two built in Sunderland, and 200 across the country.
Phillips said: “I have brilliant memories of my time in Sunderland, and it’s been great returning here to open this impressive Football Foundation PlayZone. Watching local charities, like Foundation of Light, use this facility highlights the positive impact that football and other sports can have – especially with a Premier League club like Sunderland on your doorstep.
“Thanks to funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation, along with EA SPORTS, this facility will provide a safe and welcoming place to play and support healthier lives here in Silksworth.”
As well as looking back on the Foundation’s work to date, the 25th anniversary offers an opportunity to look ahead. With the exponential growth of the game, particularly among women and girls, the Football Foundation’s mission continues via its newly-launched 'Game Changing’ five-year plan.
At the core of this new strategy are the Foundation’s Local Football Facility Plans, which have been developed in partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders. These plans are a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements that will deliver where need is greatest and impact is strongest, creating inclusive opportunities for generations to come.
Former Lionesses star Williams, a Football Foundation supporter, also played at Burgess Park growing up. She spoke of her pride in advocating for the Foundation’s goals: “The growth of the women’s and girls’ game in recent years has been incredible, but we know it starts with giving girls the same opportunities to play as boys.
“The Football Foundation is making that possible by creating safe, welcoming places where dreams can begin, like here in South London where I grew up. I’m proud to play a part in helping the next generation of girls fall in love with football just like I did.”
Williams’ support for the Football Foundation’s commitment to women’s and girls’ football follows the recent announcement of the Here to Play fund, designed to help facilities become safer, more accessible and more inclusive.
Also in recent weeks, the Football Foundation unveiled the Derby Racecourse Hub and the Wednesbury Hub near West Bromwich, refurbished thanks to £6m and £1.1m grants respectively.
Find out more about the Premier League’s support for grassroots football, the football pyramid, and communities across the country by clicking on the link here.