Derby in the Community

Local youngsters play football with England stars at Sports Centre opening

The Together for England Roadshow rolled into Derby in October to mark the formal opening of a multi-million pound sports facility at the University of Derby.

Derby County duo Will Hughes (England U21s) and Jamie Hanson (England U20s) were joined by Notts County Ladies star Alex Greenwood (England Women) and Birmingham City Ladies's Melissa Lawley (England U23s) at the state-of-the-art new facility. 

The £10.8 million sports centre boasts a range of facilities including a 4G pitch, a multi-purpose sports hall, fitness suites, a bouldering wall, squash courts and a three-lane indoor sprint track complete with sand pit. As well as the university’s students, the centre will be made available to sporting partners including local community clubs and organisations.

Youngsters from nearby clubs Allestree Juniors and Woodlands Ladies were on hand to put the facilities to the test as coaches from FA Skills and the Derbyshire County FA laid on football sessions.

Inspiring Communities

We believe our region's bright future is best secured when we work together. We receive a great deal of support from local people and organisations across the East Midlands and so we're always looking for ways to 'give back' to help make our communities a better place for everyone.

Whether that's through providing great teaching and training, supporting local jobs, or caring for the environment, we're determined to make a positive contribution.

You can find out more about the ways in which we support the community by following the links below.