Wokingham Borough Council’s has broken ground at Emmbrook school as work kicked off this week on their new pitch that will enhance the school’s PE provision and create community facilities for everyone.
The artificial grass pitch, which is due to open later this year, will be used solely by students during school hours and for after-school activities. Football clubs including the borough council’s partners Wokingham and Emmbrook FC and Ashridge Park FC, and community groups, will use it evenings and weekends. The pitch will also be adaptable for five-a-side, seven-a-side and nine-a-side.
“I’m delighted to get the first spade in the ground today! The Emmbrook 3G pitch will be a fantastic addition to our leisure facilities in the borough, which will benefit not only the school but local clubs and community groups” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure. “We’re making significant investment in our leisure facilities at a time when many local authorities across the country are scaling back”.
UllaKarin Clark Executive Member for Children’s Services, said “We are thrilled that we have managed to secure funding to provide yet another opportunity for local children to take part in sporting activities as the benefits to their health and wellbeing are extensive.
“Sport is a great way for children to build self-confidence and improve social skills while improving their health and fitness”.
The pitch is being funded by a £350,000 developer contribution the Council has secured and a £480,298 a grant from The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
The new pitch is a third generation (3G) pitch, currently the most significant and successful development in synthetic surface technology, and offers an extensive range of benefits. These pitches are suitable to be used in all weathers, as any rainfall will drain through the perforated backing, leaving the surface free from standing water and puddling. They will also withstand long periods without rainfall and won’t turn brown or patchy like real turf does throughout the summer months.
3G pitches also reduce the risk of player injury with their foam underlays, which absorbs the impact of trips and falls, and lower the stress put on the players’ joints. These pitches are also capable of withstanding intensive usage without showing any signs of wear.
The five other 3G pitches in the borough are at Cantley Park, Montague Park FC, Arborfield Leisure Centre, Ryeish Green Leisure Centre and Goals in Woodley
