Whitby 3G Pitch Ready for Construction

Work on the much-anticipated new floodlit third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) on the site of Eskdale School has started this week, with contractors SIS Pitches onsite to start the proposed 15-week build.

The all-weather pitch will further enhance the school’s facilities and provide a community football hub, that will be complemented by two full size grass pitches and a 9v9 grass pitch. The facility will enable key partner clubs; Fishburn Park FC, Whitby Fishermens Society FC and Sleights FC, to provide excellent training and match play opportunities and enable them to further develop players and coaches. The pitch will also provide casual pay and play opportunities for local groups. Other key areas of football development that the pitch will focus on are inclusive opportunities, coach education and developing the female game.

The project secured a £573,736 grant towards the project from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation last July and has been working with key stakeholders to dispose of the pre-commencement planning conditions required to get to the build phase. Other key partner funders include Scarborough Borough Council, the School and community organisations.

Sports Development Manager from Scarborough Borough Council, Matt Hewison, said:

"Everyone involved in the scheme is delighted to get to the build phase and this has been achieved with the effective working of key partners. The impact of the facility has the potential to be huge for football and active participation in the district and it will certainly be worth all the meetings and e-mails! Along with the established grassroots clubs the facility will enable specific football development programmes to be delivered at a world class facility."

PE Teacher at Eskdale School, Anne-Marie Scales, said:

"The work behind the scenes to get to this phase of the project has been immense and to finally be able to see the plans develop from the page into reality is overwhelming; Matt Hewison is a true unsung hero! The project has been four years in the making and I am fortunate to have had the support and backing from the schools previous Head teacher, Sue Whelan and its governing body who saw both the need and potential that the facility could provide the community. This support has carried on with the new headteacher Mr Fyfe and the federated governing bodies. The department staff are thrilled to have this world class facility as their new classroom and are looking forward to the new year when they can step foot onto the new "hallowed turf"."

Headteacher at Eskdale School, Mr Fyfe, commented:

"This is an incredibly exciting facility that the Whitby Federation and community have gained. There has always been a rich history of sporting excellence at Eskdale School, this investment will continue to provide outstanding infrastructure that everyone will benefit from. The commitment and support from our partners has been instrumental in the project’s success. The team have done an incredible job securing this new pitch facility and we look forward to using it from 2021."