Inside JMO Sports Park: Community First, Investment Ongoing

Inside JMO Sports Park: Community First, Investment Ongoing

I recently met with Matthew Slocombe, General Manager of JMO Sports Park, and the impact of this facility is clear from the moment you step through the gates.

JMO is a standout hub for grassroots sport, supporting junior and adult leagues alike. With high-quality pitches and flexible meeting and social spaces, it plays a vital role at the heart of Skelmersdale, bringing people together, improving fitness and skills, and fostering a strong competitive spirit.

Continuous Investment for the Community

This privately run family business has consistently reinvested back into the facility to meet demand and improve the experience for users. Recent upgrades include:

• Artificial pitches for reliable, all-year-round play
• Modernised changing facilities
• Bar and function spaces for events and celebrations
• Expanded use for American football and rugby league and union

As Matthew explains:

^{“All our customers have different needs; one size does not fit all.”}

A Busy, Trusted Facility

JMO is a thriving, in-demand venue, hosting a high volume of block bookings with many football leagues. These leagues are happy with their negotiated rates, agreements that work for both parties and provide stability and value.

With pitches available all year round, JMO offers the consistency clubs rely on week in, week out.

Strong Community Partnerships

A key strength of JMO is its close working relationships across the local sporting community. The facility collaborates with:

• Local football leagues and grassroots clubs
• Schools and youth organisations
• Community groups and event organisers
• Multi-sport teams across football, rugby, and American football

These partnerships ensure the site is fully utilised and responsive to local need. By working closely with leagues and organisations, JMO can tailor bookings, support development pathways, and provide a reliable home for regular fixtures, training and tournaments.

This partnership approach helps keep community sport accessible, sustainable and well-organised, thus benefiting players, volunteers and families alike.

Real Community Impact

JMO Sports Park delivers far more than sport; it plays a vital role in strengthening the local community:

• Opportunities for young people to stay active, build confidence and develop teamwork skills
• Accessible sport for all ages, from grassroots juniors to adult leagues
• A safe, inclusive environment for families and supporters
• Health and wellbeing benefits through regular physical activity
• A social hub that brings people together and reduces isolation
• Support for local clubs and leagues, giving them a dependable base

This is a facility that truly sits at the heart of the community, serving its users well and adapting to their needs.

Addressing Price Increases — The Reality

Like many organisations, JMO is facing rising costs, from energy and staffing to National Insurance, VAT, business rates and inflation. As a result, some price increases have been unavoidable.

However, this is not about profiteering. JMO is a family-run business, and any surplus is reinvested directly back into the facility to benefit the community.

Block bookings continue to offer strong value:

• Exempt from 20% VAT
• Lower, stable pricing
• No peak-time surcharges seen elsewhere

Casual bookings do incur VAT, but overall rates remain competitive, often more favourable than comparable facilities.

A Community Asset That Delivers

JMO Sports Park is more than a venue; it is a cornerstone of the local area. A place where people play, connect, compete and celebrate.

Leagues are encouraged to get in touch to discuss tailored block booking options that suit their needs.

For more information, go to JMO Sports Park – The Place For All Sports. Alternatively, email: manager@jmosportspark.co.uk. The team will be in contact to discuss your requirements.

Please note that all enquiries must go through the website or email, as JMO does not use social media to answer enquiries.

In short, JMO isn’t driven by profit; it’s driven by community. Through strong partnerships, continued investment and a clear commitment to local people, it continues to deliver real value at the heart of Skelmersdale.