On 11th September 2025 we were lucky enough to have another VIP visit to the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub! As part of a visit to meet and see the work of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, the Trust brought Stephanie Peacock MP – the government Minister for Sport, Civil Society and Youth – to come and see us.
After a tour of the hub, the Minister met some of the young people that attend our weekly youth clubs, as well as key funders who support our work.
Nick Temple, CEO for Social Investment Business said: “It’s wonderful to see Podsmead’s young people thriving and enjoying the benefits of the inspiring new Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub, all made possible by a £2.5 million Youth Investment Fund grant. It’s a shining example of quality youth work and co-production; with young people’s voices shaping its design and service offer. It’s a space that young people can truly identify with.”
To conclude the visit, we invited the Minister to launch our brand-new youth night – Fit Friday – which includes bookable sessions for local young people to use the new sports pitches, as well as other facilities at the hub. A new youth café will also start on the same evening and complements the Tuesday and Thursday youth clubs already running at the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub.
Debbie Etheridge, Head of Youth Provision, Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub said: “We were delighted and proud — as an organisation, as a youth team, and on behalf of all the young people who benefit from using the Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead — to showcase what we’ve achieved together. It’s undoubtedly something to be proud of and having Stephanie Peacock MP and our supporters and stakeholders who have helped us on our journey here with us was the cherry on the cake.
As the new home of the dedicated Podsmead Youth Work Team, we’re proud to offer safe spaces, trusted relationships, and meaningful opportunities — helping young people build brighter futures, right here in their own community.”
Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society 