A brand new third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) which was opened at Philip Morant School and College in Rembrandt Way, Colchester on Monday 11th March will support thousands of individuals to play football in Essex.

The new full-sized pitch was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, through their charity, the Football Foundation. After netting a £498,959 grant from the Football Foundation, with support from the Essex County FA, work begun on the site in November 2017 and has now been completed.

The surface not only provides the school’s PE Department with a first-class facility, but the local community will also benefit from an all-weather training site for youth development and community projects. Philip Morant have formed a partnership with Disability4Sport to provide Soccability and hearing-impaired sessions on the new pitch.

The site is also used by the County FA to deliver coach and referee education courses plus partner club, Stanway Rovers FC, will focus on establishing three new girls’ teams within the first year of the pitch being in operation, growing to five by year five. This will contribute to 98 girls and women starting to play competitive football - which is one of the County FA’s key focuses.

Nick Emery, Essex County FA Development Manager, reacted: “It’s a key part of our 2018-21 Moving Forward Strategy for grassroots football in Essex to see more 3G pitches built for community use, so we were delighted to be able to offer support for this excellent application. We’re already using this modern venue for some of our coach education offering.”

“Congratulations to everyone who put in the bid for Football Foundation funding. The Foundation’s work is evident all over our county and they’ve played a real part in providing high-quality facilities to allow football to grow. It’s our aim to continue the positive trends we’re recording in Essex and to ensure we’re providing football for all.”

Scott Holder, Headteacher at Philip Morant School and College, said: “The 3G AGP pitch has improved sport at Philip Morant. Students love the quality of the FIFA-approved surface, which has led to an increase in the number of young people joining clubs, particularly football.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, also commented: “I am delighted for everyone associated with Philip Morant School and College. We will continue to support projects nationwide, but we cannot do this on our own, so we are encouraging organisations in the area to join our movement to deliver quality football facilities for people in Essex once and for all.”

To find out more about opportunities to obtain grassroots funding, click here, follow @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and search for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

What’s On At Philip Morant School and College?

9v9 Flexi-Football League (Mondays, 7:00-10:00pm): Flexi-Football is the ultimate football experience, designed to fit around your busy lifestyle. If you’re aged 16+ register your interest, contact Conor McLaughlin at conor.mclaughlin@epcoaching.co.uk.

Female Mars Just Play (Mondays, 7:00-8:00pm): Just Play Centres give everyone the opportunity to just turn-up to a venue and play football. We welcome new female players who have never kicked a ball and those who are rekindling their love for a no strings kickabout. To register your interest, E-Mail jonesk@philipmorant.essex.sch.uk. The first session is free!