The Army Central Fund has committed £4.5 million towards a landmark £12.3 million programme to transform sporting facilities at Catterick Garrison, helping to create modern spaces that will encourage participation in sport and strengthen community wellbeing for serving personnel and Army families in the North of England.
The funding forms part of the Developing Sport in the North programme, a partnership between Headquarters North, Army Sport, the Army Central Fund and the Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown. Announced by the Chief Executive of Army Sport during Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s Birthday celebrations at the Royal Gun Salute in York, the Army Central Fund’s grant will support the creation of a new indoor sports centre alongside tennis courts and cricket facilities at Wavell Road, providing high-quality, accessible facilities that will benefit serving personnel, Army families and the wider military community for generations to come. A separate development at Robertson Road will create a new Rugby Hub, further strengthening the Army’s partnership with the Rugby Football League.
Catterick Garrison is the Army’s largest garrison and is expected to grow from around 8,500 serving personnel today to approximately 11,500 by 2030. Headquarters North’s Developing Sport in the North initiative has already significantly increased participation in sport across the region, but further growth has been constrained by ageing facilities. This investment will provide infrastructure that matches the ambition of the programme while expanding opportunities for sport, wellbeing and community engagement.
Major General Jo Chestnutt CBE, Chair of the Army Central Fund, said:
“Sport plays a vital role in Army life. It builds resilience, strengthens teamwork, and provides opportunities for soldiers and families to connect, particularly in large garrison communities such as Catterick.
“This significant investment is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating places that encourage participation, improve wellbeing, and contribute to a positive experience of Army life for serving personnel and their families.
“We hope these facilities will benefit generations of soldiers and families in the North, helping to strengthen both the Army community and the sense of belonging that is so important to retention and operational effectiveness.”
The Army Central Fund Board approved the £4.5 million grant in recognition of the significant opportunity the project presents to improve the lived experience of serving personnel and Army families. The investment reflects the charity’s commitment to projects that strengthen physical and mental wellbeing, foster community connections and enhance the quality of Army life where the need and potential impact are greatest.
