On Target for New Sports Pitch

Grassroots sport in South Tyneside received a welcome boost this week as work started on a new 3G football pitch thanks to partnership working between the Council and a Community Association.

Planning approval has now been given for the pitch which will be built on land adjacent to Perth Green Community Association in Jarrow.

The Community Association secured grants including £530,000 from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation and Durham FA to meet the £700,000 costs of the development.

The pitch will be available for use by the local community.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Co-operatives, said: "It is fantastic to see work starting on site to bring this exciting new sports facility to life.

 "Once complete, this pitch will be a huge asset to the local community and demonstrates that we are delivering on our priorities of supporting families and investing in our natural and built environment."

When the pitch is complete, it is expected to be used by a wide range of groups including local schools and football clubs. A range of options such as walking football, disability sports and coaching for children and youths, will encourage people to become more active, improving both their physical and mental wellbeing.

Jimmy Kane, Chairman of the Community Association, said: "People are buzzing about this exciting new development. When it opens in the summer it will allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy our national sport.

"It will provide a real boost, not only for the local area but for the Borough as a whole."

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "It is great news for South Tyneside that work has started on this pitch.

"This is the latest example of investment from our partners, the Premier League, the FA, government and Sport England, improving grassroots facilities across the country. This funding is enabling more people to enjoy the benefits of playing regular sport."

Construction is expected to take approximately 16 weeks and is planned to complete in June.