Following discussions with a number of organisations, the Town Council have put forward a proposal to The Ernest Cook Trust and HS2 for a potential stadium and sports facilities solution for the town and wider community of Aylesbury.
The proposal has support from Aylesbury-born, ex-professional footballer and Honorary Freeman of the Parish of Aylesbury, Emmerson Boyce.
The Ernest Cook Trust owns the land that the former Aylesbury Golf Club sits on, which is the proposed site for a community sports facility that would be managed by the Town Council.
The proposed plans include a graded football stadium, indoor sports hall and education centre. Such facilities could bring Aylesbury United Football Club back to Aylesbury after not playing on home turf since 2006 as well as providing a community hub for other teams in the area including women’s and disability sport.
Emmerson Boyce captained Wigan Athletic Football Club’s FA Cup winning team in 2013 and fully supports the proposal: “I am the proud ambassador of the Aylesbury Community Project and I truly believe that a new, captivating sporting facility will inspire the next generation of future stars.
“We are all aware of the power of sport and how much it can make an immense difference and positive impact on the community. Being a Trustee of Wigan Community Trust and running my own foundation, I know first-hand that a new sporting facility could see a safe and friendly environment for young sportspeople to lean, develop and master their own skills.”
Leader of Aylesbury Town Council, Richard Lloyd said: “As a Town Council, we want to take the lead for the people of Aylesbury. We want to improve our residents’ opportunities for sport in our area, now more than ever after the England’s Lionesses inspiring and successful Euros 2022 campaign. Not only this, but we are keen to seize the chance to preserve a site for the community.
“We are grateful to have the backing from Aylesbury’s own Emmerson Boyce and hope others will support our proposal too.”
A multi-sports indoor facility has also been proposed. These plans would benefit many clubs including Aylesbury Netball Clubs who have struggled to find suitable indoor facilities that match their ambitions and the growing demand for their sport.
Other sports clubs including a cricket, martial arts, hockey, boxing, table tennis and volleyball have all contacted the Town Council regarding other facilities since the motion was proposed.
Aylesbury Town Council look forward to further discussions with the landowner and various groups and organisations that support this much needed facility.
