Former Lioness and I’m A Celeb star Jill Scott opens football pitch in Jarrow

The pitch is the first of 23 sports facilities across the UK in honour of the Lionesses.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A new pitch named after Sunderland-born Lioness and Queen of the Jungle 2022, was officially opened by Jill Scott herself at a ceremony in Jarrow last week.

The pitch which is named Jill Scott Pitch is the first of 23 sports facilities to be opened and named after the Lionesses, who brought England to victory in the Women’s Euro 2022.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Government, The FA and the Premier League’s Football Foundation have partnered up to fund the opening of the sites in honour of the Women’s England squad, and to improve access to sport for women and girls in the UK.

Jill Scott unveiled the Jill Scott Pitch in Jarrow.Jill Scott unveiled the Jill Scott Pitch in Jarrow.
Jill Scott unveiled the Jill Scott Pitch in Jarrow.

The UK-wide investment into the facilities is costing £300 million, making this the biggest ever commitment to delivering equal access for women and girls playing football, and looks to support the talent of the future.

The Jill Scott Pitch was unveiled at the Perth Green Community Centre in Jarrow, alongside coaches and members of the community. The 3G pitch will support the growth of female, disability and recreational football in the South Tyneside area.

Jill Scott, who before retiring was part of the winning squad, went on to compete in last years series of I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here. The North East born star won the nation's heart and went on to win the series, becoming Queen of the Jungle for 2022.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking about the Jill Scott Pitch, she said: “It’s an absolute honour to have a site that will be used by so many people in the local community named after me in the place I used to play!

“Winning the Women’s Euro’s was incredibly special and I hope, thanks to this recognition and funding from The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, this pitch will benefit Lionesses of the future.“

The Government has proven their commitment and support to women’s football and hope to build on its commercial success. The Government and The FA will continue to work together to achieve the ambition of equal access to football for girls in 90% of schools by 2024.

The FA’s Director of Women’s Football, Sue Campbell, said: “The England women’s team changed the landscape for the women’s and girls’ game when they lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 trophy last year. The success of the team wasn’t just about lifting the trophy, it was also about changing the path for women and girls who want to or currently play football up and down the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“By 2024 The FA want to see 5,000 good-quality pitches added to the current number. With the Football Foundation, we are prioritising the areas and communities where these new pitches are most needed. This project allows us to provide more opportunities for people to play football across the region. Jill Scott has had an incredible career and no doubt inspired many people in her hometown to take up the game, so I’m sure the ‘Jill Scott pitch’ will be extremely popular.”