Work starts on new and improved Stoke community sports pitches

Work has started on new and improved community sports pitches in Stoke. The multi-surface pitches at Stoke Damerel Community College will be used for sports including hockey, football and rugby.

The project will focus on a 2G sand pitch, which while primarily suitable for hockey, 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 an existing grass pitch is also set to get underway. The new additions will be for use both by the school and community. They will also have flood lights to ensure that they can be used all year round

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Plymouth City Council says the plans complement the work already underway to transform the former Brickfields Sports Centre into a new community health and wellbeing hub, to 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. She 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."