More than 100 jobs at risk as football pitch firm to close four Yorkshire sites

Powerleague, the five-a-side football pitch operator, is to cut more than 100 jobs as part of a planned site closure programme.

The group, owned by Patron Capital Partners, will shut 13 sites through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), an insolvency procedure used by struggling firms to close under-performing units.

Four of the 13 sites are based in Yorkshire. A site in Sheffield is set for closure, along with three sites located across Leeds.

Powerleague said: “The CVA has been designed to deliver a refinanced, restructured business without which Powerleague would not have a viable future.”

This announcement follows three years of declining revenues and failed attempts to raise sufficient funds to meet lease obligations.

The closures are expected to result in the loss of 109 jobs and affected employees have been informed.

The company operates more than 440 pitches across 50 sites in the UK and Ireland, and employs around 580 people, including sports coaches and referees.

Christian Rose, Powerleague chief executive, who only joined the firm this month, said: “Closing sites is a difficult decision to make and we are supporting those personally affected.

“These significant changes are essential to a sustainable future for Powerleague and I am committed to our long-term turnaround plan.”

Deloitte is handling the CVA, which will require the backing of 75% of creditors, including landlords.

If approved, Rose will then oversee a “long-term business plan” with new capital investment provided through Patron Capital and its partners.

Daniel Butters, partner at Deloitte, said: “The CVA, if agreed, will provide a stable platform upon which management’s turnaround plan can be delivered.”