HTCS Holds Opening Ceremony for New 3G Pitch!
New 3G facility opens in Hartlepool to boost grassroots sport!
A state-of-the-art 3G facility was officially opened at High Tunstall College of Science in conjunction with partner clubs: Pools Youth, Hartlepool United Women and Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation on Thursday 16th September.
High Tunstall were delighted to welcome two of their football alumni, current Hartlepool United Goalkeeper, Jonathan Mitchell and Middlesborough FC Midfielder, Luke Woolston to the facility to run a training session with High Tunstall and Pools Youth’s goalkeepers.
The new 3G Football pitch was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. After netting a £500,000 grant from the Football Foundation, work begun on the site in March 2021 and is situated in the exact location of the old College building that was demolished in 2019 and replaced by the College’s state of the art new building.
The grant enabled us to have an outstanding learning space for PE lessons and for our own busy footballing schedule whilst enabling Pools Youth and Hartlepool United Women to have a base for all their training and competitive matches.
The new facility comprises of a full size 3G football pitch and a brand-new changing facility inclusive of home and away changing rooms, referees room and showers.
The facility will play a pivotal role in the continued development of football within Hartlepool. In addition to Pools Youth hosting their training and Senior Team Wearside League fixtures at the site, Hartlepool United Ladies will be relocating to Hartlepool for their fixtures and It will be great to have the team back playing their matches in the Town.
The club worked in partnership with the Durham County FA to secure the Football Foundation funding and the college intends to work closely with the DCFA to ensure that the new facility can host refereeing and coaching courses along with the intention for the facility to be a host venue for walking and disability football In Hartlepool.
Ben Holden, Senior Teacher for Community Development and Sports Science Faculty Leader, said: “We are Incredibly thankful for the support provided by the Football Foundation, Premier League, Durham County FA, High Tunstall College Leaders and Governors for their vision and drive to make the dream of having such a brilliant facility at High Tunstall a reality. We are committed that the facility will be able to play a crucial role In the development of grass roots football In Hartlepool.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “We are delighted that High Tunstall College of Science’s 3G Pitch is now open to the public after receiving Football Foundation investment.
“Good quality facilities support the health of local people and communities, which is why we’re investing in projects like this across the country with funding provided by the Premier League, The FA, Government and Sport England.”
