Ground breaking start for St John Fisher's 4G pitch in Harrogate

It's ground breaking times for students and staff at St John Fisher's Catholic High School in Harrogate as work has started on their £800,000 4G pitch .
Rob Pritchard stands on site.Rob Pritchard stands on site.
Rob Pritchard stands on site.

The fourth generation sports pitch has been a long time coming for the school but after contracts went out to tender last year, work has now started on delivering the facility.

The school has held several fundraising events to put toward the cots of the all-weather synthetic pitch and has had to seek planning permission for the work.

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Headteacher at St John Fisher’s, Rob Pritchard, said: “I think its been in the pipeline for over two years while I’ve been here and it’s probably been five years in total.

“We actually got the go ahead a year ago but it’s taken a year since we got that to get everybody to come and work on site because contracts have to go out to tender.

“It’s only going to take 11 weeks from now until it will be open so it’s a reality for staff and students now.”

During the week, the pitch will be used by the school to accommodate PE lessons and after school activities, but at the weekends the facility will be open for the community to use.

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Mr Pritchard said: “The full size pitch will enable PE lessons to take place in poor weather as well as fulfilling the hectic fixtures schedule the school has.

“It will also provide first class facilities for local community groups and sports clubs enhancing the school’s sporting provision

“We want it to be used by all different parts of the community for all sorts of different things.

“It’s a fantastic investment for the school and we will use the profits from it to keep the pitch well maintained.”

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Mr Pritchard explained the £800,000 facility is the most up-to-date quality of pitches available and will be opened in Spring next year.

He said: “It means it’s the latest generation or version, the most up-to-date pitch. The quality is so good you can have league matches on it.

“Lots of football teams are using these pitches now and there is a big push from the football association to use these pitches.”

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