Chester (Extra London News) March 27, 2026 – The Duke and Duchess of Westminster visited Chester FC Community Trust to mark the impact of a five-year partnership funded by the Westminster Foundation. The visit highlighted the success of the King George V Sports Hub, a £2 million facility supporting grassroots football and community programmes. The initiative has engaged thousands annually and generated £8.7 million in social value. The royal couple met programme participants and observed youth and girls’ football activities at the site.
- Royal Visit Highlights Community Sports Investment in Chester
- King George V Sports Hub Delivers Measurable Community Impact
- Programmes Supporting Youth Development and Education
- Growth of Girls’ Football and Grassroots Participation
- Statements from Organisers and Funding Partners
- Funding and Development of the Sports Hub Project
- Role of the Westminster Foundation in Community Investment
- Chester FC Community Trust’s Ongoing Work in Cheshire
- Continued Engagement Through Community Partnerships
Royal Visit Highlights Community Sports Investment in Chester
The Duke and Duchess of Westminster visited the King George V Sports Hub in Chester to observe the outcomes of a long-term collaboration between Chester FC Community Trust and the Westminster Foundation. The visit focused on the role of sustained investment in grassroots football and community development initiatives.
The sports hub, officially opened by the Duke of Westminster in June 2022, has transformed a previously underused site into a multi-purpose community facility. It now supports sport, education, health and wellbeing, and social inclusion activities across the region.
The visit marked the continuation of a five-year partnership under which the Westminster Foundation awarded £520,000 to the charity. The funding contributed to the development of the sports hub and enabled the expansion of programmes aimed at young people and local communities.
King George V Sports Hub Delivers Measurable Community Impact
According to Chester FC Community Trust, the King George V Sports Hub has significantly increased participation in community programmes. The organisation reported that it now engages thousands of individuals each year through its initiatives.
An independent social impact report recently published by the trust found that its activities have delivered £8.7 million in social value. The report indicated that for every £1 invested, £10.20 of social value is generated, reflecting outcomes linked to health, education, and community engagement.
The facility includes a full-size floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch, a natural grass rugby pitch, a multi-purpose clubhouse, a refurbished pavilion, and changing rooms. It has become a central venue for both organised sport and broader community use.
Programmes Supporting Youth Development and Education
During the visit, the Duke and Duchess were briefed on several programmes funded through the partnership. These included the Blacon Youth Hub, a weekly Friday night youth club that currently has 90 members. The programme provides structured activities and a safe environment for young people in the area.
They also learned about the Chester FC Football Education programme, which offers a full-time course for young people aged 16 to 18. The course is designed to combine academic study with football training, supporting participants in pursuing careers in sport and related fields.
Representatives of Chester FC Community Trust outlined how these initiatives aim to address barriers to opportunity, particularly among young people, through accessible and community-based programmes.
Growth of Girls’ Football and Grassroots Participation
The Duke and Duchess observed matches from the Cheshire Girls Football League, which has been based at the sports hub since its opening. The league provides regular competitive opportunities for young female players in the region.
Players, coaches, and officials spoke to the visiting delegation about the impact of the facility on participation levels. According to those involved, the availability of high-quality pitches and infrastructure has contributed to an increase in the number of girls playing football locally.
The hub also supports pathways for player development, enabling participants to progress within the sport while remaining connected to their community.
Statements from Organisers and Funding Partners
Jim Green, Chief Executive Officer of Chester FC Community Trust, described the partnership with the Westminster Foundation as a significant factor in the organisation’s growth.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Westminster Foundation for the belief, support, and commitment over the five years of this partnership,”
he said.
“This is a partnership that has created a real legacy, and it was a huge privilege to welcome The Duke and Duchess to the sports hub and to see what we have created together.”
Kate Brown, Director of the Westminster Foundation, emphasised the importance of sustained funding for community initiatives.
“This five-year partnership with Chester FC Community Trust is an example why it’s important to make long-term investment in communities,”
she said.
“We were proud to support this initiative from the outset, and it is fantastic to see how King George V Sports Hub has become a thriving centre of activity, helping more children and young people in Chester to access opportunities in the community.”
Funding and Development of the Sports Hub Project
The King George V Sports Hub was developed through a combination of public and private funding. A £1 million contribution was provided by the Premier League, The FA, and the UK Government through the Football Foundation.
Additional funding came from the Westminster Foundation, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Avenue Services, the Ursula Keyes Trust, and Chester FC Community Trust itself.
The project was designed to address gaps in local sports infrastructure while supporting broader community objectives. The integration of sport with education and wellbeing services reflects a multi-agency approach to community development.
Role of the Westminster Foundation in Community Investment
The Westminster Foundation serves as the primary charitable vehicle for the Duke of Westminster and Grosvenor businesses. It focuses on supporting communities in areas including Westminster, Chester, Lancashire, and Sutherland.
The foundation operates as a place-based funder, working closely with local organisations to develop long-term partnerships. Its approach emphasises early intervention, aiming to address challenges affecting children and young people before they escalate.
Beyond financial support, the foundation collaborates with partner organisations to strengthen operational capacity, encourage collaboration, and address structural issues affecting communities.
Chester FC Community Trust’s Ongoing Work in Cheshire
Chester FC Community Trust operates as the official charity and community arm of Chester Football Club. It delivers programmes across Cheshire West, focusing on sport, education, health, and social inclusion.
The organisation uses the football club’s brand to engage participants and promote community cohesion. Its stated aim is to contribute to healthier and more inclusive communities while supporting individuals in achieving their potential.
Through initiatives such as the King George V Sports Hub, the trust continues to expand its reach and develop programmes tailored to local needs.
Continued Engagement Through Community Partnerships
The visit by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster highlighted the ongoing collaboration between charitable organisations, local authorities, and sporting bodies in delivering community-focused projects.
The King George V Sports Hub remains a central element of these efforts, serving as both a sports facility and a venue for wider social programmes. Organisers indicated that continued investment and partnership working will be essential to sustaining and expanding its impact in the future.
