A NEW 3G sports pitch funded by a £313,000 grant from The Football Foundation has opened at a Bradford school.

The artificial pitch officially opened at Southfield Grange Trust in Little Horton on Sunday, and is expected to increase the number of people using the pitch by 700.

It can now be used by more than 80 adult and junior football teams, along with disabled clubs and rugby league clubs, and new floodlights mean the pitch can also be used on evenings.

The £312,837 investment was provided by the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund, delivered by the Football Foundation, and saw the old sand-based pitch replaced with a new 3G surface.

Pupils at the Southfield schools will use the pitch along with local partner clubs, and other teams in the area will be able to use the facility, including Bradford Disability FC and West Bowling ARLFC.

Bradford City will also use the pitch for academy sessions and for sessions run by its Community Foundation.

The number of teams that will use the pitch will rise from 25 to 84, with four new open age men’s teams created, and participation numbers expected to grow by 177 per cent.

Large growth in under 14s football is also expected, with 500 new players predicted to use the pitch, a 254 per cent rise.

Darren Vidamour, centre manager at Southfield Grange Trust, said: “On behalf of the trust I would like to thank The Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund for providing the necessary funding, support and professional advice to enable us to replace a tired and outdated 2G pitch with a FIFA Accredited 3G pitch which a whole host of local clubs can use.

“Not only will the students and staff greatly benefit but also the surrounding community.

“The various clubs that are using the facility have provided us with fantastic feedback and we are very proud to offer such a fantastic facility in an area that really did need the investment.”

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Grassroots sport plays an important role in communities across the UK, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“That is why I am delighted the Southfield Grange Trust has now opened their state-of-the-art 3G pitch in Bradford, thanks to investment from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund.

“Continuing to improve access to high-quality facilities like this one is a key aim for the Premier League, The FA and the Government.

“Delivered by the Football Foundation, their funding supports projects for clubs and organisations all over the country and is helping to boost the number of people benefitting from sport through better facilities.

“Grassroots football provides so many benefits for members of the community, not least of which is the opportunity to enjoy themselves.

“Love for our national game, something that can be found across the country, is an integral part of what drives the Foundation and its funding partners to keep increasing the standards and quality of our facilities.”