Grace makes a pitch for new sport facility
A SECONDARY school is leading the way on a project which may bring a new sports facility for both its students and the local community.
Gateshead’s Grace College, part of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation, is in talks with the Football Association and the Football Foundation about constructing an allweather 3G pitch.
The £750,000 facility would provide a year-round playing surface for football and rugby.
If built, it will enhance the college’s sports provision during the day and be offered to grassroots clubs and the community during school holidays, at evenings and at weekends.
Grace College - formerly the Joseph Swan Academy, will partfund the new pitch - but the project will only come to fruition if an application for cash from the Football Foundation is successful.
To support the bid, the college is appealing to the local community, grassroots teams and their participants to take part in a public consultation to assess demand for the new facility.
Mark Hall, principal of Grace College, said: “Grace College is a wonderful school but we are not able to offer the high level of sports facilities wewould like, including an allweather pitch.
“The land we have earmarked for the 3G pitch is at the bottom of a hill and out of use for much of the year due to the boggy conditions.
“We believe there is demand for an all-weather pitch and several local clubs have already expressed their support for it.
“We are in the process of preparing our submission to the Football Foundation.
“We really need to hear from people to find out if this is something they want in the area, what barriers they face to playing sport at present and how much they might use it if it is built.
“Both the Football Association and Football Foundation have been very supportive to help us to this stage.
“However, funding is subject to us demonstrating need and putting together a robust business case.”
Wrekenton Nou Camp, Cleveland Hall and Birtley Town Juniors football clubs have already expressed their interest and other sports including rugby and cricket are also involved in the consultation.
Grace intends to apply for planning permission for the pitch next month and make its submission to the FA in July.
To take part in the consultation, complete the questionnaire at www. gracecollege.org.uk.
There will also be consultation events at the college on Wednesday, January 26 (6.00-7.30) and Saturday, January 29 (10.00-11.30).