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Elmbridge gets a state of the art synthetic turf pitch at the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex site.
Elmbridge Borough Council has secured a grant of £949,500 from the Football Foundation towards the cost of constructing a new floodlit synthetic turf pitch and associated changing accommodation.
The state of the art pitch will feature a '3rd Generation' type carpet suitable for football and rugby training. The pitch will have the ability to be divided into thirds for use for 5-a-side games and junior coaching.
The construction of the pitch and changing room complex commenced on 16 September 2008 and is due for completion in late spring / early summer 2009.
As part of the grant award from the Football Foundation, the Council has produced a Football Development Plan which aims to maximise the use of the pitch, and engage a wide range of partners to help develop football to the whole community. Partners include Chelsea FC, Walton Casuals FC, Coerver Coaching, local schools, Esher RFC and Harlequins RL. Activities will include casual use, various leagues, junior coaching, birthday parties, mini rugby, holiday courses, and the Council's SHOUT! holiday scheme for young people.
FA Regional Facilities Manager Stuart Lamb said 'The provision of an artificial grass pitch at Elmbridge Leisure Centre will be a fantastic resource for the community and in particular local clubs and schools. Elmbridge Borough Council were a pleasure to work with throughout the process of applying for funding'
The facility will be operated and maintained on a daily basis by DC Leisure, who currently operate the Xcel Leisure Complex. DC Leisure will be responsible for administering bookings on site. Bookings cannot be taken at present but further details on how and when to book will be provided over the next few months. Watch this space!
The need for this facility was originally identified in the Facilities Strategy for the Surrey Local Football Partnership (2003 - 2006). It is fantastic that this ambition is now being realised to the benefit of everyone in Elmbridge!
For more information, |contact the Leisure Facilities Manager