Goal of 3G pitch at school may be achieved at last
AFULL-SIZED 3G pitch could finally be built following talks between Southport FC, Meols Cop High School and Sefton Council.
Progress is finally being made on the long awaited project and, according to the football club’s community manager Darren Wildman, the facility could be installed and in use later this year.
The plans would see a full size pitch built on the playing fields at Meols Cop and would then be available for use by Southport, the school and the community.
A 3G surface is made of artificial grass and as such is suitable for use in all weather conditions, meaning it can be used more frequently than grass without deteriorating and can be used all year round.
Although smaller pitches are available outside Splashworld and at Ainsdale Sports Club, there is currently no similar facility for 11-a-side matches anywhere in the town. Instead, teams must travel to the likes of Skelmersdale or Crosby.
The possibility of building such a facility was talked about several times over the past decade but appeared to have fallen from consideration as the club pressed ahead with plans to build a training centre at another site within the town.
But according to Mr Wildman, the Meols Cop plan is again pursued and is moving towards an advanced stage.
He said: “We have resurrected the 3G build facility and we’ve got an agreement in kind now with Sefton Council and Meols Cop to build a full size 3G facility at Meols Cop School.
“A funding application’s gone in to the National League and the Football Foundation is being prepped for.
“For the first time, we’ve got an agreement with Sefton Council. They’re very keen to support it and moving forwards into the years we could potentially expand it into Meols Cop park.
“There is no 3G provision in this area and that impacts on our ability to be able to provide education and support and activities for people.
“We’re not looking to launch that, it is a relatively quick build once we’ve got everything in place but it’s just crossing the ‘t’s and dotting the ‘i’s at the moment.
Speaking to the club’s website, Mr Wildman also revealed plans to support a walking football team, creating a disabled team, and run free evening football sessions for teenagers and young adults.