Windsor & Eton Football Club (WEFC) is delighted to confirm that it has submitted a joint planning application with The Crown Estate, as landowner, for a new state‑of‑the‑art 3G football pitch at Stag Meadow. The proposal represents a significant step forward in the club’s long‑term vision to create a modern, inclusive and sustainable community sports hub at the heart of Windsor.
The new pitch will provide year‑round access to football for hundreds of local players, supporting one of the club’s greatest success stories: its fast growing and diverse participation. WEFC now supports more than 600 boys and girls across its youth section, alongside a thriving programme of men’s, women’s, and veterans’ teams, as well as regular use by local schools and wider community groups. By providing a high‑quality, all‑weather facility at the heart of Windsor, the proposed development will ensure these diverse user groups can train, play and participate safely, consistently and close to home, removing many of the barriers created by weather, pitch availability and travel.
The application follows an extensive programme of public consultation and community engagement. More than 1,250 residents signed a petition in support of the proposals, and over 80% of respondents backed the plans through the public consultation process. Feedback from residents has played a central role in shaping the scheme, alongside detailed technical assessments covering traffic and parking, environmental impact, lighting, drainage and biodiversity.
Throughout the process, the club has worked closely with The Crown Estate, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and the Football Foundation to ensure the proposals meet all relevant standards and respond sensitively to the needs of both the community and local residents.
A facility for the whole community
The proposed 3G pitch would transform Stag Meadow from a largely single‑use grass pitch, often unavailable during the winter months, into a high‑quality, multi‑use, all‑weather facility. This change will unlock far greater community benefit while reducing pressure on existing natural grass pitches.
The 3G pitch would enable:
- Expanded opportunities for boys’ and girls’ football
- Continued growth of women’s and girls’ teams
- Increased access for local schools
- New and enhanced provision for disability football and inclusive programmes
- Greater opportunities for adult participation and wider community use
Mark Cooper, Chairman of Windsor & Eton FC’s senior section, said:
“Submitting this application alongside The Crown Estate is a hugely important milestone for our football club and, more importantly, for the town of Windsor.
Our ambition has always been to create a facility that serves far more than just our senior teams. We want Stag Meadow to be a place where children, young people, families and community groups can come together and benefit from sport in a positive, welcoming environment.
We have taken the time to listen carefully to residents, engage openly through meetings and public surveys, and ensure our proposals are robust, responsible and aligned with all planning requirements. We firmly believe this project will deliver a lasting, positive legacy for Windsor and help secure the future of football in the town.”
Paul Mitchell, Chairman of Windsor & Eton FC’s youth section, added:
“The growth of our youth section has been one of the club’s greatest achievements, and it reflects the huge demand for football among young people in Windsor.
At present, many of our 50‑plus youth teams are training across multiple sites and are regularly affected by weather and pitch availability. A 3G pitch at Stag Meadow would give them a true home — somewhere they can train and play consistently, safely and all year round.
This is about creating opportunities for the next generation of boys and girls, supporting the continued growth of the women’s game, and providing an inclusive environment where young people can develop confidence, friendships and life skills through sport.”
Paul Sedgwick, Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park said:
“Windsor and Eton Football Club has quickly built on the rich history of football in our local community, establishing a host of successful teams for all ages. We are hugely supportive of their proposals to bring forward 3G pitch facilities at Stag Meadow to ensure that the club is even more accessible and inclusive, paving the way for further success and a sports legacy that the Windsor community can be proud of.”
A long‑term investment in Windsor
The proposals align with local and national strategies that identify a shortage of 3G pitch provision and the importance of increasing access to grassroots sport. Windsor & Eton FC has committed to ensuring the development is delivered responsibly and sustainably, including:
- A Traffic & Parking Management Plan developed with resident input
- Measures to support biodiversity net gain
- Modern LED lighting designed to minimise light spill
- A safe, high‑quality design to support long‑term community use
Looking ahead
The planning application has now been submitted and is available for public review via the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s planning portal: https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/find-planning-application application reference: 26/00788.
Windsor & Eton FC and The Crown Estate have reiterated their commitment to ongoing transparency and engagement and will continue to provide updates as the planning process progresses.
