Kick-off for Cannock's £32,000 artificial sports pitch

A new £32,000 artificial football and hockey pitch that will be used by thousands of people from across Staffordshire will be opening this weekend.

Grassroots sport in the county is set for a significant boost with the opening on Sunday of Cannock's first full-size artificial grass pitch. The hi-tech pitch at Cardinal Griffin Roman Catholic High School has been created following a joint project between the school and Cannock Chase Council and has been funded by the Football Foundation.

Walsall FC manager Dean Smith has been invited for the official opening, along with a host of ex-professionals, including Wolves midfielder Andy Thompson, former Nottingham Forest player Des Lyttle, Birmingham City's Richard Forsyth and Spurs man Andy Taylor.

Teams of all ages, from juniors to adults, will be able to use the pitch which will be open to local schools in the day and be available for community use in the evenings and at weekends.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, Cannock's culture and sport boss, said: "We've worked closely with Cardinal Griffin and the Staffordshire FA to make sure we received the funding for this exciting project and it's fantastic to see everything now ready for action."

Paul Thorogood, the Football Foundation's chief executive, added: "I am delighted to see this tremendous new facility complete and ready for use by the local community. The dedication and hard work of Cardinal Griffin School, Cannock Chase Council and Staffordshire FA over a number of years has resulted in the successful completion of this project."

Headteacher Michael Burrowes said the pitch was the result of a huge commitment from the school, councils and football organisations in the area. "It is not just for the school but for the whole community of Cannock Chase and will be available to benefit everyone in the district," he added.

The council is also laying a new artificial pitch at Rugeley Leisure Centre, which will be open to players soon.

Report by Harry Gottschalk