3G Football Pitch Opens at The Deanes School

The local community came together to celebrate official opening of the new 3G Football Pitch at The Deanes School on Thursday 10th October. The Deanes is part of the South East Essex Academy Trust. 

The pitch was officially opened by Head Students from The Deanes School Ruby Avery and Tabitha Roberts, in front of Rebecca Harris MP and The Mayor of Castle Point, Lyndsey McCarthy-Calvert, as well as guests from the local school and football community including local partner clubs Hadleigh Youth Football Club, Thundersley Rovers and Leigh Lionesses. 

Guests enjoyed a tour of the new facility and saw it fully in use with Southend United Youth Team, as well as hearing about the opportunities that this will bring to the school and the wider community. The new facility also hosts a Boot Bank where people can borrow football boots to use on the pitch if they do not have their own. 

This project has been delivered thanks to a £945k grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. The Essex Football Association also gave their support in preparing an effective business case and football development plan. 

Steve Bish, Castle Point and Rochford School Sports Partnership Manager commented:   

“Deanes has been a sporting hub for the community for many years and this new 3G facility will make a huge difference to students, community clubs and the local area in general. We are all very excited about the opportunities this new facility will bring and the part it will play in helping our local community to lead active and healthy lives.  I would like to thank our partners in the Football Foundation and Essex FA for making this ambition a reality.” 

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of 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.  

“We’re delighted that the local community in Castle Point will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at The Deanes School.”