Following the news that Launceston College have started work on their new third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP), the college and local clubs are delighted at the new opportunities the pitch will create within grassroots sport for the community.

This is being made possible thanks to a £487,117 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

The grant has enabled Launceston College to begin work on their new 3G sporting facility. This replaces their existing redgra pitch, which is now old and unfit for purpose both at the college and within the local community.

Launceston College will use the pitch for various lessons during the day as well as for sports teams and competitive matches. Partner clubs Launceston FC and Southgate Colts will also benefit from the facilities once complete. The college hopes to make the facility available to a full range of clubs in the local community with a booking system already in place. Although initially a football pitch, the college is interested in exploring further possibilities for how the new facility can be used.

Since 2000, the Football Foundation Funding Partners’ investment has provided 167 grants worth £6.1m towards grassroots sports projects worth over £10.2m across the whole of Cornwall County FA region.

Mark Adams, Assistant Principal at Launceston College, said: “After lots of hard work from a dedicated team of people we are delighted that building work has recently begun on this exciting project.  The brand new 3G pitch has potential to give so many a facility that the local community has been searching for and will positively influence the lives of young and old alike.  We would like to formally thank the Football Foundation, our local partner clubs and the local community for their input and support in delivering this project.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The news that works have officially begun on Launceston College’s brand new facility will undoubtedly provide a boost for grassroots sport in the Launceston area. Funding from the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England, is playing a vital role in making the project a reality.

“Thanks to their investment, Launceston College is one of many schools and organisations across England set to benefit from a state-of-the-art new facility – in this case, a 3G pitch.  These facilities not only act as excellent physical and social outlets for communities, but also provide new jobs – during construction and in the years to come, with people needed to support sites in delivering safe and positive environments for any user."