Works starting on eagerly awaited 3G football pitch 

The project is being funded by contributions from Mid Suffolk District Council, the Premier League, The FA, the Government’s Football Foundation as well as S106 developer contributions. 

Being built in the grounds of Stowmarket High School, the 3G pitch and athletics track will be available for community use with Everyone Active managing the facilities and associated booking system outside of school times. 

The pitch will use cork infill – as part of research by the Football Foundation that is looking at the use of a variety of different pitch systems. 

The 3G pitch is part of the council’s wider sports and wellbeing strategy for the area and will be delivered alongside a 200m mini athletics track with 4 lanes. 

Councillor Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture, and wellbeing, said: “This project has been a long time coming and I am absolutely thrilled that work is about to start on the next phase.
“This project has always been about increasing access to sports facilities and addressing a number of health inequalities in Stowmarket and by taking part in this pilot scheme, we can also deliver a facility with sustainability and player preference in mind too.
“I am looking forward to seeing this project come to life and for local communities to be able to make the most of them.” 

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “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.
“We’re delighted that works are now underway to deliver the 3G pitch in Stowmarket and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.”

Craig Morrison, Chief Executive of Kingfisher Schools Trust, which includes Stowmarket High, commented: “This is a very exciting time for both Stowmarket High School and the wider town community. The new 3G pitch and running track will mean that our students have access to excellent sports facilities year-round. 
“Sport and exercise are incredibly important for students’ confidence and mental wellbeing too and that in turn helps with academic success. We are very grateful to the district council and the Football Foundation for their support and funding. 
“These new facilities come alongside the current expansion of the school site to meet local demand for places.”

Matt Stebbings, Football Development Manager at Suffolk FA, said: "It's great to see this project starting on site. It is a huge milestone for the project and will begin to showcase all the work that project team and the funding partners have put in. 
“I look forward to seeing the site up and running supporting local football"

Paul Robson, contract manager for Everyone Active, said: “These fantastic new facilities will help to improve the health and wellbeing of people from across the local community and we are very proud to be chosen to run them.”