New pavilion at Five Mile Drive opened by Councillor Louise Upton

The new £90,000 facilities, which were funded by the City Council with partnership funding from the football club, include a social area, toilets, and kitchen facilities. The building will also be used as a polling station for residents within the Wolvercote Ward.

The City Council will be looking in to a long-term lease arrangement with Summertown Stars to utilise the new facilities and further develop opportunities for the local community access the new building.

The City Council is committed to supporting participation in sport to help tackle health inequalities across Oxford. Summertown Stars is the largest youth football club in Oxfordshire, with over 700 playing members - boys and girls, from under six to adult, and have a new partnership with KEEN to get more people with disabilities and special needs involved in football.

Tony Rosser, one of the club founders back in 1973, and his wife Cherry also attended the ceremony and said a few words.

“It has taken a while but we now have a fine new pavilion by the pitches and play areas of Five Mile Drive. It is a great example of council and community working together – Summertown Stars FC have been fantastic partners. They are a very successful club with over 50 teams for girls and boys of all ages. The new pavilion provides decent toilets and a space for parents to keep warm and dry – it is going to be very welcome over the coming months and years.”

Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Healthy Oxford

“Five Mile Drive has been the spiritual home to Summertown Stars since the 1970s, and 200 girls and boys play there every weekend (the other teams playing at Cutteslowe Park). Five years ago the previous pavilion was demolished and nothing put in its place. We are delighted that we can now offer basic facilities and also drinks and food to all the players and parents. We are grateful to the Council, and also the local residents, for their support.”

Gunnar Niels, Chair of Summertown Stars