FURD
Football Unites is delighted to announce that the government, following its spending review, has agreed to go ahead with the Myplace funding for the U-Mix Centre, the new home for FURD and for a whole range of positive activities for young people. The centre will be built on the Lowfield Open Space between Queens Road and Bramall Lane and will be funded by the Myplace programme set up by the previous government to build a new generation of youth facilities.
FURD would like to thank everyone who has supported the campaign to secure the funding, especially the young people from the Urban Mixtures group which has been meeting regularly to try to keep the project on track.
Local MP Paul Blomfield, who has been lobbying on behalf of the U-Mix Centre, said,
“I’m delighted by this news. U-Mix will be a fantastic new facility for all young people. All credit must go to the Urban Mixtures youth group who from day one have driven forward this project. They are an inspirational group of young people, and I’m delighted that the youth centre will now be built. It will be a testament to their commitment, passion and hard work."
Mr Blomfield also paid tribute to FURD. He said,
“Football Unites’ work is pioneering and the new youth centre will be a fantastic new base for their outstanding work.”
FURD Director Howard Holmes commented,
"We are thrilled that the U-Mix Centre will now go ahead. In particular we are relieved that this confirmation of government funding has secured the £350,000 match grant from the Football Foundation for the all-weather pitch and changing facilities. I would personally like to thank Ian Blakemore from Activity Sheffield for his unstinting support, especially in our negotiations with the Foundation"
"Also the backing we received from Sheffield's own superstar Jessica Ennis came at a crucial time and we very much hope she will be able to work with us in the future."