Manchester City legends Mike Summerbee and Tony Book have officially opened a newly refurbished 3G pitch, built with the aid of an FA grant.
The project – at Failsworth School to the east of Manchester city centre – was made possible thanks to a £317,348 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund.
England forward Sue Smith, Manchester City Women’s defender Danielle Lea and Football Foundation President Lord Pendry were also in attendance to mark the occasion.
The pitch will be made available to a number of local schools and clubs
The new facility will increase opportunities for its pupils to participate in football through PE lessons and extra-curricular sports clubs and fixtures.
Commenting on the opening, City Ambassador Summerbee, said: “It was a real privilege for me to officially open this impressive new pitch, especially with it being in Manchester.
“Artificial grass pitches, just like this one, are so important to grassroots football, and I know that this one will be very well used by the school and local community.
“Our club’s foundation, City in the Community, are already delivering sessions at the school, so it’ll mean more local people having more opportunities to play the beautiful game.”
“It is a superb example of what can be achieved when a range of partners work together”
John Meagher Head teacher, Failsworth School
The pitch will be available for use by the local community at evenings and weekends and will host matches from the Manchester Youth and Mini Soccer League, which attracts 1,300 participants every week. The Oldham Sunday League will also have access to the pitch.
A number of local clubs, including Failsworth Dynamos FC, Failsworth Athletic FC, Hyde FC, Chadderton FC, will also use the facilities regularly. Meanwhile City in the Community have already started to deliver coaching sessions at the site.
John Meagher, Head Teacher, and Jim Ryan, Director of Support Services, added: “After many years of hard work, it is good to see this project come to fruition.
“It is a superb example of what can be achieved when a range of partners work together.”
