3G pitch 'another great win' for city - councillor

A new 3G football pitch is to be installed at a York leisure facility after funding was approved by councillors.

The proposals for Burnholme Sports Centre will include replacing the existing seven-a-side pitch, upgrading changing facilities and maintaining grassland.

The majority of the projected £1.05m cost will be met by a £709,000 grant from charity the Football Foundation, with £250,000 from centre operator GLL and £100,000 from City of York Council.

"Following York City's promotion, this is yet another great football win for the city," said councillor Pete Kilbane, executive member for economy and culture.

He said the new full-sized pitch would mean "more people of all ages and abilities get to play football on a Fifa-quality 3G surface".

"We know there is huge demand in the city, from players, officials and supporters, for more state-of-the-art football pitches and we expect the improved facilities to be used for over 50 hours a week," he said.

"Who knows? Maybe the next Lionel Messi or Lucy Bronze will be playing their first football right here at Burnholme Sports Centre."

Burnholme Sports Centre is located in the Tang Hall area of York, which was identified as lacking in "available formal synthetic pitch space", according to a report to the council's executive on 9 September.

GLL, which manages and operates leisure centres across the UK, said it was "committed to reinvesting in the facilities and communities we serve".

Partnership manager for York Paul Bickle said the upgrade would "support local clubs, players and coaches, while creating greater opportunities to meet the growing demand for women's and girls' football".

He added: "The improvements will help safeguard the site's long-term future and ensure it can better serve local communities for years to come, creating enhanced, high-quality all-weather facilities for people of all ages and abilities."

The Football Foundation, funded by the Football Association, Premier League and government, helps to "transform the quality of grassroots facilities", according to the charity's chief executive Robert Sullivan.

He said the project in York would "give more people access to a great place to play".

"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," he said.

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