A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME

The designated Sports Specialist School, Salford City Academy, has officially opened a state of the art astro turf pitch which will benefit both pupils as well as the wider community.  Celebrated ex-pupil Danny Simpson and now Manchester United first team player was invited back to his old stomping ground to officially open the new facility and kick-off the inaugural match between Sixth Formers and staff.

Following the match, Danny said: "The pitch is a fine example of the school investing in new facilities, and its great both students and local people will have open access to it.  Being from Eccles I know what football means to the community so I'm sure it will be valued highly and well used."

The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is third generation rubber crumb astro turf which ensures its use no matter what the weather or the sport!  You'll never hear the phrase "rain stopped play" during Academy sports lessons; students can always make full use of the pitch, with lessons and extra curricular clubs ranging from football to rounders, whatever the conditions. 

Floodlights are an added feature which ensure the pitch can be used outside of school hours.  Eccles primary schools, as part of the Schools Sports Partnership, will make regular use of the Academy sports facility and staff to enjoy PE training and FA coaching.  Local football teams will also utilise the first rate facilities for weekly matches.

Principal Elizabeth Haddock said, "We are very impressed with our new high tech games pitch, it underpins our whole sporting ethos, and we welcome local clubs and primary schools to come and try out the facilities for themselves - we're sure they'll be equally impressed. It is our aim to become an unparalleled base for community sports clubs and sporting provision within the community."

To get details and prices on hiring out the new pitch between 6 and 9pm on weekdays, please contact Salford City Academy: Darren.boden@salfordcity-academy.org

To find out whether the pitch is available for a weekday session between 3 and 5pm, local primary schools are invited to contact the Schools Sport Partnership: Howard.Shore@Salford.gov.uk