Chairman’s Update: A Landmark Moment for FC Eagle and Our Community

As Chairman of FC Eagle, I’m incredibly proud to share some truly significant news for our club and for grassroots football in Penketh. After a long period of planning, consultation, and collaboration, the redevelopment of the 3G pitch at Penketh High School has now been fully confirmed. Construction will begin later this year, with the new facility set to be completed by 1 September 2026 following a twelve‑week build programme.

This project represents a major investment in local sport. The plans include a complete replacement of the existing artificial surface, new perimeter fencing, upgraded hardstanding areas, a storage container to support day‑to‑day operations, and a modernised lighting system that will see eight older floodlights replaced with six new units. These improvements will create a high‑quality, all‑weather facility that benefits both the school and the wider community for many years to come.

Penketh High School has been clear throughout that this redevelopment is central to its commitment to promoting physical activity and wellbeing among its students. The upgraded pitch will provide a safer, more reliable surface for school sport, while also continuing to serve as a vital community hub for local teams and organisations.

A Partnership Led by the School, Strengthened by Collaboration

It’s important to recognise that Penketh High School has been the main client for this entire project. The redevelopment is their initiative, driven by their ambition to improve opportunities for students and enhance the sporting landscape in the local area.

From the very beginning, the school has shown real openness by inviting FC Eagle into the conversation. They didn’t have to involve us to the extent they have, but they chose to — and that speaks volumes about the trust and respect that has grown between us over many years.

Being included in the planning discussions has allowed us to ensure the needs of grassroots football are properly represented, while also supporting the school’s vision for a facility that benefits everyone. I’m grateful for the way the school has engaged with us, listened to our input, and recognised the role FC Eagle plays within the local community.

This redevelopment is their project — and we’re proud to be part of it.

FC Eagle Confirmed as Prime Tenants

I’m delighted to confirm that FC Eagle will be the prime tenants of the new facility. This is a huge step forward for our club and reflects the strength of our long‑standing relationship with Penketh High School.

As part of the agreement, FC Eagle will have full access to the pitch every weekend between 9am and 2pm, giving us a consistent home for our fixtures and development sessions. We have also secured the key evening training slots on weeknights, ensuring that all our age groups can train in a high‑quality environment throughout the season.

Securing this level of access has taken a great deal of work behind the scenes, and I want to thank everyone involved for their support and cooperation. For FC Eagle, this is transformational. It gives us stability, room to grow, and the facilities we need to continue developing players of all ages.

What This Means for Our Club

This redevelopment is far more than a new pitch — it’s a foundation for the next chapter of FC Eagle’s journey.

A Better Environment for Player Development

The upgraded surface will allow us to deliver more consistent, high‑quality training sessions. It reduces cancellations, improves safety, and gives every player — from our youngest teams to our senior squads — the chance to train and play on a modern, reliable surface.

Room to Grow and Evolve

With guaranteed weekend and evening access, we can plan long‑term. We can expand our programmes, introduce new opportunities, and support more players than ever before. This is a major step in strengthening our identity and building a club that families can rely on.

A Community Facility We’re Proud to Support

The pitch will continue to serve the wider community, and FC Eagle is committed to playing an active role in that. This redevelopment creates a shared space where school sport, grassroots football, and community activity can thrive together.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Shared Values

I want to take a moment to highlight something that matters deeply to me personally.

This project — and FC Eagle’s involvement in it — has only been possible because of the long‑standing, positive relationship between our club and Penketh High School. Over many years, we’ve worked together to support young people, promote participation in sport, and create opportunities that extend far beyond football.

Throughout this process, the school has been open, collaborative, and committed to ensuring that the community benefits from this investment. I’ve had the privilege of being the main point of contact for the club during these discussions, and I can say with confidence that this partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared belief in what sport can do for young people.

This redevelopment is the latest chapter in that relationship — and one that will leave a lasting legacy for players, families, and the wider community.

Looking Ahead

As we move towards the start of construction, I’ll continue to keep our members, players, and families updated. This is a proud moment for FC Eagle, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re building something special.

Rich Winsor

Chairman, FC Eagle