New state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch opens at Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness

Article date: 20 December 2024

Located at the St Helens Borough Council-run Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness site on Ashton Road, the new 3G pitch - which replaces the existing sand-based synthetic surface - was made possible thanks to an investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government's charity, the Football Foundation, which delivers outstanding grassroots sports facilities - helping transform communities where need is greatest and impact will be strongest.

Totalling more than £600,000, with £410,000 of the funding coming from the Football Foundation, and a contribution from a Section 106 payment from a local housing development, the pitch - which can be used for both football and rugby - opened this week, with Newton-le-Willows FC, Earlestown Athletic and Vulcan FC among the first local clubs to use the durable pitch which can withstand adverse weather conditions, meaning cancelled training sessions or match fixtures will be a rarity.

As part of the project, the original floodlights, which have been in place since 1996, have also been upgraded to a more energy-efficient LED system.

Councillor Kate, Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Leisure, said: "Planning for this project started over twelve-months ago when council members and officers sat down with local clubs to explore the possibility of building a business case that would convince both the council's Cabinet and then the Football Foundation that there was a need for investment in Newton-le-Willows and that the pitch could be delivered and be sustainable.

"As the mum of football and rugby-playing children, I know only too well the benefits that a 3G pitch will bring to local clubs. It's durable, safe, and can be used year-round in all weather conditions, meaning fewer cancellations due to a waterlogged pitch.

"I must also acknowledge the benefits it will provide to Hope Academy with whom we share this site. The school has supported the council in developing this project and its pupils will benefit from using the pitch for both curricular and extra-curricular activities. The annual Schools Games which is run by our Active Lives and Sports Development service will also be able to host several competitions for local primary schools on this great pitch."

It is thought that the new 3G pitch will increase mid-week usage by 30 per cent and weekend usage by 90 per cent, with all football and rugby teams in Newton-le-Willows using the pitch over the course of the week.

Commenting on how much of a difference the pitch will make to their club, Andy Tither, Chairman of Newton-le-Willows FC, said:

"The concept of a 3G pitch in the area is something that the club has discussing for many years; we are delighted to see the facility open which is an absolute game changer for the sports clubs in our area.

"Given the adverse weather conditions, this will allow so many in our community to enjoy sport all year round.

"I had the pleasure of seeing the facility first hand on Tuesday night and it was clear to see that parents, coaches and the children were in awe of this world class surface.

"We would like to express our thanks to St Helens Borough Council, Liverpool County FA and the Football Foundation for making this happen - it's an amazing asset for the town and one we are extremely grateful to have use of in the week and at weekends for games."

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners - the Premier League, The FA and Government - to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. 

"Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. We're delighted that the local community in Newton-le-Willows will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G pitch at Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness."

Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness Centre becomes the third council-maintained leisure site to benefit from Football Foundation funding in the past seven-years, with 3G pitches being built at Ruskin Drive in 2017 and Sutton Leisure Centre in 2021.

Since the year 2000, the Football Foundation has awarded 232 grants in St Helens Borough, totalling more than £4.1 million for a range of projects including 3G grass pitches, grass pitches and changing pavilions.

For more information on council leisure facilities, including gym memberships and outdoor pitch hire, visit: goactive.sthelens.gov.uk