Simon Armitage praises “ground-breaking funding” for new all-weather pitch in West Yorkshire

After 14 years of campaigning, community football and rugby clubs in West Yorkshire have finally been awarded £1.2m for an all-weather pitch, thanks to the Premier League, the FA, and the government’s Football Foundation. The East Bierley Community Sports Association, led by trustee Simon Armitage, will benefit from this “ground-breaking funding” that will have a positive impact on both the local and wider communities.

Armitage expressed his excitement, stating that the new pitch will be “game-changing” for hundreds of young people who have been struggling with waterlogged grounds for years. The project initially faced skepticism, with Armitage recalling being told they would be lucky to have a couple of buckets next to the pitches. However, his determination paid off, and now, after 14 years of hard work, the new 3G pitch will be transformational for the community.

Parents of players have also shared their relief, as waterlogged pitches often meant entire months of fixtures had to be cancelled, affecting the momentum and well-being of the children. Victoria Robinson, a parent of a child playing for the Gomersal Cleckheaton under 12s team, highlighted the impact on team development and the children’s love for the sport.

Cassie Sykes, the girls team manager for the Birkenshaw Blue Dogs, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of having a reliable pitch to ensure that every game can be played as scheduled. With work set to begin in May and completion expected by October, the community is eagerly anticipating the benefits of this much-needed facility.