A new sporting pavilion created as part of wider improvements to King George V playing fields (known as Brown’s Field) in Prescot will be named in honour of local sporting hero Sylvia Gore.
Sylvia who grew up in Prescot – and as a girl played herself on Brown’s Field – went on to be the first woman ever to score for England. As well as her remarkable sporting talents, Sylvia’s own passion and determination propelled her to sporting success at a time when it was actually banned for women to play football.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “Given all the Sylvia achieved and did to advance women’s football in this country it is only fitting that a sporting facility like this be named in her honour. In this case it is even more appropriate as we know Sylvia herself played on these pitches herself.
I am absolutely delighted that the Council has been able to do this in her name and I hope that these facilities will be used by many more girls who have been inspired by Sylvia’s career.”
Steve Gore, Sylvia’s cousin commented: “As a family we were really overwhelmed when the Council told us their intention to honour Sylvia in this way. It is a proud moment for us all and really lovely to imagine lots more young people and young girls in particular enjoying football in the same place that Sylvia first kicked a ball about.”
The site, known locally as Brown’s Field, came back under Knowsley Council’s management in October 2024 and in that time has benefitted from significant investment following a successful grant of £250,000 from the Football Foundation secured by Knowsley Council, in partnership with Berkley Junior Football Club and the Friends of Brown’s Field.
Work on site has included drainage improvements and pitch conditioning to enhance the facilities and playing experience. The new sports and community building – the Sylvia Gore Pavilion – will not only support the delivery of weekly football activities for all ages, but will also host a range of community and recreational events and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
The total cost of the scheme is £750,000 and further investment has been secured through Section 106 funding from the new housing development on the former Whitakers Garden Centre site.
The building works and pitch improvements are due to be completed over the summer 2025 over the summer, but the pitches will be fenced off until the autumn when the grass is established.
