Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Premier Football Destination in Baldock
The Arena is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to leveraging football as a catalyst for social change in North Hertfordshire. Established in 2007 through a successful grant application to the Football Foundation and partnership funding from Hertfordshire County Council, we operate The Arena - a state-of-the-art facility featuring a full-size 3G artificial pitch, meeting rooms, and catering spaces. Our mission focuses on four key indicators: creating jobs, reducing crime, improving health, and enhancing educational attainment through football. With over 15 years of experience delivering community programmes, we provide inclusive opportunities for all ages and abilities through our five strategic pillars: Football for Life, Opportunities for All, Football in Education, Club Development, and Facility Development.Our FA-qualified coaches deliver school partnerships, holiday camps, and professional development programmes while maintaining strict safeguarding standards. The Arena's flexible facilities host everything from youth training sessions to corporate team-building events, supported by comprehensive amenities including changing rooms, physiotherapy services, and IT suites. We maintain strong partnerships with local authorities and professional clubs to ensure our programmes align with community needs and industry best practices.
Services
Football pitch hire
Coaching clinics
Venue hire
Holiday camps
Tournaments
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We operate North Hertfordshire's only full-size 3G artificial football pitch
- Our FA-qualified coaches deliver programmes for ages 5-18 and adults
- We offer flexible pitch hire options including 24/7 access arrangements
- Our facility supports both football development and corporate training needs
- We maintain strong partnerships with local schools and professional clubs
Services
Football pitch hire
Our full-size 3G artificial pitch offers year-round availability with flexible configurations. The floodlit surface can be divided into thirds or mini-pitches for training sessions, small-sided games, or full matches. Available for casual bookings, rolling contracts, or block reservations, the facility includes spectator seating and professional-grade amenities.
Coaching clinics
FA-qualified coaches deliver technical development programmes for ages 5-18 and adult players. Sessions focus on skill development, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning using UEFA-licensed methodologies. We also provide school partnerships and PPA cover for local educational institutions.
Venue hire
Modern facilities accommodate conferences, birthday parties, and corporate events with two meeting rooms featuring interactive technology. The licensed bar area hosts up to 40 guests separately or combined with pitch access. Catering packages available for formal events or casual gatherings.
Holiday camps
Seasonal football camps combine skill development with multi-activity sessions for ages 5-14. Programmes include technical drills, match play, and recreational activities in a structured environment. Sessions run during school holidays with qualified coaching staff and safeguarding protocols.
Tournaments
We host competitive events for youth, adult, and veteran players including charity fundraisers and corporate tournaments. The facility supports age-specific competitions, female football events, and professional development matches with full pitch preparation and officiating services.
Questions
What types of football programmes do you offer?
We provide coaching clinics for ages 5-18, adult training sessions, school partnerships, and professional development programmes through our Pro:Direct Academy.
Can I hire the facility for non-football events?
Yes, our conference rooms and bar area host corporate events, birthday parties, and community gatherings with catering options available.
What are your pitch hire options?
Flexible arrangements include casual bookings, rolling contracts, and block reservations for full or divided pitch configurations.
Do you offer holiday football camps?
Yes, we run seasonal camps combining football training with multi-activity sessions for children aged 5-14 during school holidays.
What community initiatives do you support?
Our programmes focus on social inclusion, youth development, and educational attainment through football-based activities across North Hertfordshire.
Are your coaches qualified?
All coaches hold FA qualifications and UEFA-licensed certifications with enhanced CRB checks for child protection.
