BUDDING footballers in Basingstoke will be able to take advantage of a new state of the art facility in the town.

A new 3G artificial grass pitch has been opened at The Vyne Community School, in Vyne Road.

The project to develop the pitch has been made possible thanks to £676,000 funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, which is delivered by the Football Foundation.

Commissioned by the Football Foundation, the floodlit pitch was finished in mid-October and has already been a big hit with both students and the local footballing community.

Community manager at the Vyne School Sharon Edwards said: “After years of background planning we are delighted that this much needed facility is finally open. Students are loving the new pitch and local clubs and teams have been impressed with the quality.

“We are looking forward to working with local football clubs to maximise use of the pitch and expand opportunities for people to get involved with football from grassroots up.”

Cabinet member for communities and community safety at the borough council, Councillor Simon Bound added: “It is great news that the investment of developers contributions and a successful application for Football Foundation funding has enabled The Vyne School to improve its football facilities.

“The new pitch will increase recreational activities for the school and crucially will also be a great asset to the local community.”

The Football Foundation said that creating facilities such as the 3G pitch at the Vyne School not only benefits grassroots sports but the wider community.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “I am delighted that The Vyne School has now opened their state-of-the-art 3G AGP in Basingstoke, thanks to investment from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund.

“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 benefiting from sport through better facilities.”

To enquire about pitch availability contact 01256 407037.