A new sports pitch is proving a hit with local sports groups.
The 3G artificial turf facility at Richmond School, which has been named after former deputy head Dave Clark who tragically died earlier this year, is now home to several of the town’s senior football teams for home matches as well as coaching sessions of adults and children.
There are also plans for a new six-a-side league to start in January.
The £733,000 pitch was developed as a result of a lack of suitable facilities for local sports groups in Richmond and the surrounding area – the school site was seen as the solution to become a central hub for sport in the town.
Richmondshire District Council put £50,000 into the pot from its social fund which helped to unlock cash from other funders, including the Football Foundation, Richmond School Trustees, Sport England and Richmond Town Football Club.
“The council’s contribution really helped us to access other funding streams,” said Tony Potter, leader of sport, leisure and community at the school.
“There was a real lack of sports provision for people of all ages in Richmond before this was built – which has been proved by its popularity.
“We have people queueing up to use it – and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic we are seeing more people wanting to exercise
outdoors.”
Richmondshire District Council Chairman, Councillor Clive World, who is pictured checking out the pitch with Tony Potter, added: “This is a great facility not just for Richmond but for the whole district and is already proving extremely popular.
“I am delighted that this council has helped to fund it and trigger other funding streams.”
To book the pitch please contact Matthew Brown, Richmond Community Sport on 01748 828123, 07874 903656 or by email at communitysport@richmondschool.net
