GRASSROOTS football in Exeter is set to receive a boost with the announcement that three football pitches are to be created.

A baseball pitch will also be laid out at the Bromham’s Farm Field site as part of the project. The site is owned by Exeter City Council.

Work will start in April and it is hoped that the playing surfaces should be ready for action in 2026. The project is being funded by the Environment Agency, who used the location as a site compound for the city’s flood defence scheme.  

Playing surface creator Carrick Sports has been appointed to carry out the works, which will include creating a soil base that is suitable for seed to grow in 2025 and enable the establishment of three quality pitches and a baseball diamond.

Carrick Sports has a good track record of creating quality playing surfaces and has done so for Premier League clubs.

Ben Johnstone, of the Environment Agency, said: “Being able to utilise Bromham’s Farm fields for our construction compound was a key piece of the jigsaw in creating the flood defences that are so vital to Exeter.

“We are keen to help return the site back to playing fields that will be used by so many Exeter residents and visitors.”

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for Place and City Management, said the site had been used as playing fields prior to the flood defence work and the new pitches would be a welcome addition to the Council’s outdoor sporting facilities: “Exeter needs more playing pitches and good quality surfaces for our football teams to enjoy.”

Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Physical Activity, said: “Football is very popular in Exeter and the city supports so many teams at so many different levels, across all ages. I’m very excited about the project and can’t wait to see the pitches back in action in a couple of years’ time.

“I’m also delighted that we are going to create a baseball pitch for our local club Exeter Spitfires to train and play their games on.”