"It will transform grassroots football" - work starts on £650k refurbishment of Penwortham 3G pitch
The work is set to be completed in August.
Penwortham Priory Academy will soon have one of the best school football facilities in Lancashire with the installation of a brand new £650,000 state-of-the-art FA-accredited 3G pitch and changing facilities.
The fresh investment into local grassroots sports facilities is thanks to a £430,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation with the school investing £220,000 of its own money.
Work to trip up the current pitch and fencing has now begun and there will also be a complete refurbishment of the boys and girls PE changing rooms and the addition of two referee changing rooms, with the new look facilities set to be completed by August.
Assistant Principal Neil Gee said: “The current fencing is 22 years old, with the 3G carpet was replaced 12 years ago and this generally only has a shelf life of 10 years. You can see the wear and tear on it.
“The funding has been awarded to enable us to meet growing community demand. It will transform grassroots football in South Ribble with the new excellent facilities, and Lancashire as a whole, and help the massive increase in girls football as well in the area.
“It’s already fully booked up and we can use it all year around so it’s a big asset to the community. It will be brilliant when it’s completed.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“This grant award to Penwortham Priory Academy towards developing top of the range 3G facilities is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”