THE final whistle has blown at Powerleague in Blackburn which will not be opening again after lockdown.

Powerleague Blackburn said the landlords have decided to take its home, Blackburn Soccerdome, in a new direction and use the venue for other purposes.

Powerleague are looking for a new venue however, as for many, the Soccerdome holds dozens of fond memories.

CEO of Powerleague, Christian Rose, said: “We are really saddened that we are having to leave Blackburn and it is not a decision of our choice.

“Our league is all about providing small-sided football to the community.

“It’s a really important part of our business philosophy that we provide physical, recreation and indeed all the mental health benefits that come from playing a team sport and being active and being with your friends doing all those great things.”

Soccerdome, on Haslingden Road, has been home to Powerleague since 2013 and currently has 11 staff members who are currently at risk of redundancy.

Powerleague said that the parent company which owns the Soccerdome site has gone into administration and as sub-tenants they have been asked to leave.

They added that they believe the site is going to become a distribution centre, however there is currently no official confirmation of this.

Health and wellbeing boss Cllr Damian Talbot said: “In normal times, this is an important facility.

“We always want to encourage people to engage in physical activity.

“Any loss of access to a facility in the borough is sad and we will be following it closely.

“Obviously Soccerdome is independent to the council but if there is anything we can do we are always happy to talk to people.”

Soccerdome, which used to be JJB Soccerdome, houses seven indoor pitches, among other facilities.

Powerleague has 36 venues across the UK, including one in Bolton, to where players have been directed while the company searches for a new location.

Cllr Jim Shorrock, of Blackburn South East ward, said: “The football side of this site was used extensively by residents in Shadsworth and Highercroft and residents of Blackburn South East generally. It really will be a sad loss while we don’t have Shadsworth Leisure Centre any more.”