We are pleased to provide the following operational and infrastructure update to supporters following the end of the 2025/26 season. As previously mentioned, this will be followed by an update on the football department and retained list in due course.
Infrastructure developments
As part of our ongoing investment into facilities at Vale Park, work is continuing at pace across a number of key projects, including the installation of a brand-new playing surface ahead of the 2026/27 season, and the development of the £2.3m Vale Park Community Campus.
Vale Park pitch
The new SIS pitch represents a significant investment and step forward for the football club, ensuring improved durability and performance while meeting the demands of modern football.
The make-up of the new pitch will be a hybrid system, allowing for enhanced stability and drainage. This work, which begins next week, will support both the first team and wider club activity and forms an important part of our long-term plans for the stadium.
We are also mindful of the deep personal connections many supporters and their families have with Vale Park. Over the years, the pitch and surrounding areas have become a place of remembrance for some, reflecting the strength of feeling that exists for the club across generations.
As in previous seasons when the pitch has been re-laid, this will continue to be respected throughout the installation process.
With the installation of the new surface, please note that the club will unfortunately no longer be able to accommodate any future memorials - including the scattering or burial of ashes - within the pitch area. As part of these wider improvements, we are also reviewing the current memorial wall area to ensure it remains a respectful and well-maintained space for supporters to remember their loved ones.
The club will provide updates on the progress of the pitch works throughout the summer.
Vale Park Community Campus
Our commitment to the local community continues as the Vale Park Community Campus progresses, in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Preparatory works on two new natural‑turf youth pitches began on 13th April and are ahead of schedule, using spoil from the main training pitch to create high‑quality new facilities for local players. These pitches will be out of use for approximately 12 months while construction takes place, after which they will provide a significantly improved community asset.
Noise and lighting assessments, hub‑building and landscape design and wider community engagement are all moving forward, with the project still on track for a planning submission at the end of April. In the months ahead, we will continue outreach with local schools, colleges and residents, including exploring a social‑action initiative to connect the community directly with the development of their new facility.
Full construction of the whole site will take approximately 12 months, with handover expected in summer 2027.
Bradeley
Bradeley Football Development Centre now has full planning permission and Football Foundation funding in place to create a full-size 3G artificial pitch, increased parking provision, better access in and out of the site and improved security.
The site will be the home for Women and Girls football, with access opportunities for local grassroots teams alongside Port Vale Women and Girls Pathway teams. The facilities will be state-of-the-art and support the development of football across the north of the city. In addition, the site will be a home for our PAN Disability teams, Walking Football Groups and Holiday Camps.
The construction phase of the project will begin in June 2026, with completion and opening of the site expected in October 2026. The site will be managed by Port Vale Foundation.
Operational developments
Off the pitch, the club is placing a renewed focus on growth and long-term sustainability.
Ryan Grant will step into a new role as Director of Growth from 1st June, expanding his current remit to include responsibility for the development of the club’s commercial reach, while continuing to oversee the club’s media and communications output. He will continue to form part of the club’s Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the delivery of day-to-day operations.
This structure is intended to provide continuity and clear ownership across key operational areas and support the club’s ambition to grow sustainably.
The club will also be confirming the appointment of a new Head of Finance in due course, a role which will support both the Football and Operational leadership teams.
Matt Hancock said: “We are continuing to invest significantly in the club’s infrastructure to build stronger foundations for the future and, as always, we are extremely grateful to Carol and Kevin for their support in this area.
“From the installation of a new playing surface at Vale Park to the development of the Community Campus and our plans at Bradeley, these projects are designed to support both first-team performance and our wider role in the community.
“Off the pitch, we’re equally focused on building a stronger and more sustainable operation that can support success on it, and Ryan has earned the opportunity to drive that growth. Carol and Kevin’s financial and emotional investment into the club remains as strong as ever, but as I’ve said previously, it’s important we complement that owner funding and explore new revenue streams while keeping our offering fair for supporters.”
