A £12.3 million investment in sporting facilities at Catterick Garrison has been announced, the British Army stated.
The funding was unveiled during celebrations in York marking Queen Camilla’s birthday, where a 21-gun salute was fired. It will establish a new rugby hub alongside an indoor sports centre, intended to benefit serving personnel, veterans, their families and the wider community.
According to the Army, the announcement brought together figures from Army Sport, Headquarters North, the Rugby Football League, Army Rugby League, the Army Central Fund and the Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown. The programme forms part of a wider effort to strengthen participation in sport and supports the Army’s partnership with the Rugby Football League through its Join Well, Serve Well, Leave Well initiatives.
Major General Darrell Amison, Chief Executive of Army Sport, was quoted in the press release as saying: “Developing Sport in the North is an ambitious, once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the sporting facilities for our soldiers and their families in Catterick Garrison and the North, and by direct association, make a significant contribution to our Army’s fighting power.”
He added: “In recognition of this, Trustees of the Army Sport Charitable Fund have agreed to support the project via a £2 million grant. This sits alongside support from Headquarters Regional Command and significant pledges of charitable support from the Army Central Fund and the Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown, for which Army Sport is extremely grateful.”
The Army Central Fund has committed £4.5 million towards the development. Major General Jo Chestnutt, Chair of the Army Central Fund, was quoted in the press release as saying: “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.”
She added: “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 Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown has committed £1.76 million over the next four years. A spokesperson for the Trust was quoted in the press release as saying: “The Chairman and Trustees of the Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown are delighted to have committed funding totalling £1.76 million to Developing Sport in the North over the next four years. Supporting initiatives that improve the welfare, wellbeing and quality of life of serving men and women is central to our purpose, and this project reflects the lasting impact that targeted investment can have.”
