Source: City of Plymouth
Work to improve a community sports facility has officially kicked-off.
As part of the city’s ongoing investment in sports facilities, Stoke Damerel Community College is set to become home to three multi-surfaced pitches, providing space for several different sports.
Work will focus on a brand new, 2G sand pitch, which whilst primarily suitable for hockey, is a multi-sports surface and can be used for a number of other activities.
Also in the plans is a smaller 3G pitch, specifically targeted at football and rugby use, which has been supported by a £250,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
A renovation and upgrade of and existing grass pitch is also set to get underway.
The new additions will be for both school and community use with modern flood lighting to ensure that they can be used all year round
The plans complement the work already underway to transform the former Brickfields Sports Centre into a new community health and wellbeing hub that will be operated by the Argyle Community Trust.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR, joined representatives from Stoke Damerel Community College and the Football Foundation to see work begin.
Sue said: “It’s always exciting to see projects that have been long in the planning get to the construction stage.
“I know that these facilities will be so well-received, not just by Stoke Damerel Community College students, but also by the city’s large sporting community.
“I look forward to seeing work complete and pitches in use by students and residents alike.”
Dan Cole, Senior Assistant Headteacher of Stoke Damerel Community College, said: “Our new sports facilities will elevate our sports programmes, offering our students and community first-rate resources to train, compete, and stay active.
“This is a significant step in advancing our commitment to fostering well-rounded students by encouraging both academic achievement and physical development”
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.
“We’re delighted that works are now underway to deliver the new 3G and grass pitches at Stoke Damerel Community College and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.”