Grassroots sport in Sawtry has received a significant boost as Sawtry Village Academy, part of Meridian Trust, has received funding for a brand new 3G sports pitch.
Funding for the modern 3G pitch has been provided by the Premier League, The FA, and the Football Foundation. Approximately 75% of the total cost has been provided by the Football Foundation, with a generous grant amounting to almost £800,000.
Huntingdonshire District Council has also provided a contribution of £150,000 to support the project. Meridian Trust and Sawtry Village Academy are jointly contributing £100,000.
A 91m x 55m floodlit pitch will be developed, with the hope that it will be up and running and ready to use later this year. This project will also see the refurbishment of the existing multi-use games area, situated at Sawtry Village Academy.
Simon Parsons, Principal at Sawtry Village Academy, said: “We are delighted to have received the funding we require to develop a state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch. We would like to thank everyone involved in allowing this including The Football Foundation and Huntingdonshire District Council, with lots of backing and support from the Sawtry community.
“This funding will enable us to create a high-quality sports facility that will not only benefit our students but also provide opportunities for local teams, clubs, and schools to flourish.
“At Sawtry Village Academy, we understand the importance of sport inspiring and educating our students. We are all excited to see the positive impact that this project will have on the school and the wider community.”
Mark Woods, Chief Executive Officer at Meridian Trust, added: “We are thrilled to see that Sawtry Village Academy has received full funding for a new, cutting-edge 3G sports pitch. The introduction of this pitch will significantly enhance the sporting experience for all students.
“At Meridian Trust, we are committed to providing our students with excellent facilities that foster an environment where students can be inspired and educated.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive at 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.
“This grant award to Sawtry Village Academy towards developing a state-of-the-art 3G pitch is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”
Below is a photo of what it could look like.
