PITCH PERFECT

Multi-millionpound investment for football pitches in city

A list of questions and answers have been drawn up about plans to build nine new 3G full-sized football pitches across three Sunderland sites.

All 40 can be found online via our website, but here, we list a few of the biggest queries clubs will have.

Will the hubs be able to accommodate Wearside and Northern League fixtures?

There is an expectation some sites will be designed to incorporate provision for the playing of step 7 football, Wearside League.

The site layout will be flexible to allow expansion should user’s progress onto Step 5 or 6 (Northern League), but additional funding would needed.

Will other sports and/or groups share the hub sites?

Yes. While recognising it is a football-led programme, there a chance for additional sports and groups to become involved.

Why have these three sites been chosen?

The FA and the council has reviewed a number of strategic sites and concluded these sites are most suited in order to deliver the requirements of the funding partners and the most suitable to host the necessary infrastructure required.

Does this mean that all football in the city will now be played on 3G pitches?

No. In addition a number of grass pitches will remain across the city.

Willthenewlydeveloped 3G pitches be of a standard to play competitive fixtures?

Yes. Each pitch will be verified by The FA and added to the 3G pitch register, a requirement for affiliated games to be played.