The University of Chester has become the latest Founder Patron for Warrington’s new OnSide Youth Zone. 

While the University is used to supporting people over 18 reach their full potential, it has now branched out even further by pledging its support for Warrington Youth Zone, which will give young people aged 7-19 (and up to 25 with additional needs), somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. 

This £6.9 million facility is being delivered by OnSide Youth Zones, a national charity which has created a network of Youth Zones across the country, providing local young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. 

Set to be built in the stadium quarter next to the University Technical College (UTC), the state-of-the-art Youth Zone will offer thousands of young people from Warrington access to an indoor climbing wall, 3G kick pitch, four court sports hall, dance and drama studio, training kitchen, arts and crafts space, fully equipped gym, music room with recording studio, enterprise suite and much more. 

The University is the latest supporter of the Youth Zone and will make a financial contribution to the charity’s annual running costs. 

Dr Brendan O’Sullivan, Deputy Provost of the University’s Warrington Campus, said: “The University of Chester is passionate about providing opportunities for everyone to develop their talents and we’re extremely proud and pleased to support the work of Warrington Youth Zone in making this happen for young people in the town.” 

Warrington Youth Zone will open seven days a week for young people aged between 7 and 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Young people will pay £5 per year to be a member and then just 50p every time they visit. 

Dave McNicholl, Chief Executive of Warrington Youth Zone said: “This is a fantastic show of support from the University of Chester who already do a brilliant job supporting young people. Our Founder Patron family is really special and will ensure that young people will have the opportunity to shine and reach their full potential, while making new friends, enjoying so many activities and gaining support from trained youth workers. I’d like to offer my sincere thanks on behalf of Warrington’s young people to the University of Chester.”