Perdiswell all-weather pitch is officially opened.
A new all-weather football pitch, which will benefit the whole community, has been officially opened in Worcester.
Work on the floodlit pitch at Perdiswell Leisure Centre was completed in July and the pitch has been well used since. The official opening was held on Thursday (26 September).
Chair of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor Jabba Riaz, said: “The all-weather floodlit surface means Worcester residents have a facility which they can enjoy playing football on all year round.
“From boys and girls starting out on their sporting journey through to older age groups participating in walking football, this pitch is a community asset for everybody to enjoy.
“It would be brilliant if Premier League stars in generations to come started their football journey on this pitch, which the City Council and our partners have made possible.”
The pitch was created after research for the Council's Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy showed a shortfall of artificial grass pitches in Worcester, with Perdiswell recognised as a priority location.
The project cost a total of £824,000; £624,000 of this was funded by the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation, with the balance contributed by Worcester City Council.
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added: “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 the local community in Worcester will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G pitch at Perdiswell Leisure Centre.”
Field Turf Tarkett, a global leader in synthetic turf for a range of outdoor sports, has supplied the pitch surface, with the facility constructed by S & C Slatter.
Freedom Leisure operates leisure centres on behalf of Worcester City Council and will manage bookings at the new all-weather pitch.
Lisa Kordas, General Manager at Freedom Leisure, added: "We are thrilled to officially open the new 3G pitch at Perdiswell Leisure Centre in partnership with Worcester City Council.
“The new pitches will provide local football teams and residents with access to top-tier, modern facilities that will support their sporting ambitions and active lifestyles.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy these fantastic facilities. You can enquire about bookings by emailing