The Leicester Riders Foundation has continued its commitment to community development and youth engagement through sport, proudly supporting the opening of a newly refurbished multi-use games area (MUGA) on Orchardson Avenue.
Working in partnership with Leicester City Council and Leicester City in the Community, the project represents another important step in creating accessible, high-quality spaces where young people and families can come together to be active, social and inspired.
The official opening brought together local residents, partners and schoolchildren to celebrate the transformation of the site, which has undergone significant improvements as part of the council’s wider investment in community sports facilities across the city.
Credit: Leicester City Council
For the Riders Foundation, the project goes far beyond the physical upgrades. It reflects a shared vision of using sport as a tool to positively impact lives, particularly in communities where access to safe and inclusive spaces can make a lasting difference.
The refurbished MUGA now includes new surfacing, upgraded fencing, improved lighting and enhanced access, alongside dedicated areas for both basketball and football. The open-access facility ensures that local residents can enjoy free opportunities to stay active all year round.
During the launch event, Leicester Riders Foundation coaches delivered engaging basketball sessions for young attendees, introducing core skills through fun, inclusive activities. The sessions highlighted how accessible facilities like Orchardson Avenue can inspire confidence, encourage participation and help young people discover a passion for sport.
Rob Jarram, Head of Leicester Riders Foundation, said:
“Partnership projects like this are vital to what we do. Having safe, welcoming spaces within local communities allows young people to be active, build friendships and grow in confidence.
This MUGA creates new opportunities for engagement and helps us reach even more young people through basketball and physical activity.”
Leicester City Council continues to invest in community sport as part of a broader programme aimed at improving health, wellbeing and social cohesion across Leicester. The Orchardson Avenue site is one of several facilities being developed or upgraded to ensure that high-quality recreational spaces are available to all.
The Leicester Riders Foundation remains dedicated to building on these partnerships, delivering programmes that combine basketball, education and personal development to create meaningful opportunities for people across the city.
Projects like Orchardson Avenue demonstrate the lasting impact that can be achieved when organisations work together not just improving facilities, but helping to shape healthier, more connected communities for the future.
