The Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) and InspireAll Leisure & Family Support Services are forging ahead with a new partnership which will continue to provide first-class sporting facilities for the community.
InspireAll has taken over the management of the Pendleton Sports Centre, located on the Etonbury Academy site in Arlesey.
The dual-use centre is utilised by the school for students as well as being open to the public.
Facilities include a four court sports hall, fully-equipped gym and a 3G floodlit all weather pitch, with a range of fitness classes and activities available.
BEST Chief Operating Officer Craig Smith said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with InspireAll and look forward to successfully working together to provide this wonderful community asset.
“Having a facility that is available for use by the school and the wider public aligns perfectly with one of our trust’s core values to provide community-based provision.”
Etonbury Academy Principal Joanne Young said: “We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community and the Pendleton Centre being on site is an excellent illustration of this.
“Sport is an intrinsic part of life at Etonbury and the facilities available provide lots of wonderful opportunities for our students. It is really pleasing that these benefits extend beyond our school gates and into the wider community, too.”
InspireAll Chief Executive Natalie Palmer said: “We are thrilled to confirm the new partnership with BEST to manage the Pendleton Sports Centre.
“This new partnership will allow students of Etonbury Academy and the local residents to access a variety of excellent sporting activities, encouraging all ages to keep active and healthy through this vital community facility.”
The Pendleton Sports Centre was named in honour of double Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton, who officially opened the facility in 2016.
Victoria, who won cycling gold at Beijing in 2008 and at London in 2012, is a former Etonbury student and is now the school’s honorary patron.
