WALES defender James Chester returned to his former school in Birchwood on Friday to open its newly refurbished 3G pitch.
The international footballer, who also plays for Aston Villa in the Championship, visited Birchwood Community High School to unveil its new, state-of-the-art playing surface.
He met students and helped to open the pitches with the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Karen Mundry.
The refurbishment of the pitch was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, the FA and government-run charity the Football Foundation.
Moira Bryan, head teacher at Birchwood Community High School, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we are able to open our new 3G pitch.
“Our young people in school, the local community and grassroots sport in Warrington will all be able to benefit greatly from this facility.”
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Work on the pitch started in December and was funded by a £367,235 grant from the Football Foundation as well as £90,000 from the school.
In addition to providing school students with improved playing facilities for PE lessons, sports teams and extra-curricular activities, the pitch will also be used by partner football clubs Birchwood Juniors and Woolston Rovers.
Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This is one example we want to make people in the area aware of, that they have the kind of quality pitches and changing rooms that are taken for granted in other counties.
“Taking part in community sport at any level offers many benefits and rewards, not least the opportunity for people to enjoy themselves and socialise with different members of the community.”
Founded in 2000, the Football Foundation is the largest sports charity in the UK, and looks to develop and refurbish facilities to improve the quality and experience of sport at grassroots level.
n For more information, you can contact Birchwood Community High School by emailing aoreilly@birchwoodhigh.org, of the Football Foundation through jack.cavilla@footballfoundation.org.uk.
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