New 3G football pitch for Radcliffe on the way

A new all-weather 3G football pitch is coming to Radcliffe after funding of £2.4 million was confirmed.

The state-of-the-art floodlit pitch will be built at Redbank playing fields, along with associated parking, a new changing pavilion with club room and grass pitch improvements.

The project has just won £1.8 million from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, with Bury Council putting in a further £600,000.

The pitch will play an important part in the wider regeneration of Radcliffe, bringing opportunities for residents to improve their health and physical activity levels in an area of deprivation.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “This will be a fantastic sporting and wellbeing facility for the existing Radcliffe football clubs and also for the wider community where a wide range of wellness activities are proposed.”

3G pitches are made up of synthetic grass filled with a cushioning performance infill. The surface allows for better grip, smoother play, better shock absorption and excellent ball performance.

The pitch will be managed by the Radcliffe Football Foundation, working with user groups and the local community.

Paul Hilton, from the Radcliffe Football Foundation and Radcliffe FC, said: “Bury Council has been an incredibly supportive partner driving this development which will be a leap forward in facility provision not only for our football club but the wider community, and another shot in the arm for the Radcliffe Regeneration Project.”

Lee Chapman, from Radcliffe Football Foundation and Radcliffe Juniors, said: “This project will allow Radcliffe Football Foundation to provide football and recreational opportunities for the whole community and to promote enjoyment of physical activity as a basis for life-long participation.”

A full planning application has been submitted, with a decision expected early in the New Year.

Two successful 3G facilities have already been established in other areas of the borough; one at Goshen Playing Fields and the other at Elton High school.

Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, saidThe Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government through Sport England – to transform access to grassroots facilities across the country.

“This grant award to improve the facilities at Redbank playing fields will support people’s ability to play our national game locally and therefore help unlock football’s many benefits to physical and mental wellbeing.”