Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today joined staff and pupils at Bridgemary School to kick start work on a brand new third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch on the school site.
Last year, Caroline supported the school's funding bids to the Football Foundation and Sport England which secured grants totalling over £500,000. The new full size, floodlit pitch will replace the School's existing pitch which has been hampered with drainage problems in recent years, rendering the surface unplayable during periods of wet weather.
The installation of the 3G pitch will ensure that the school can deliver curriculum PE and competitive fixtures twelve months of the year. Not only will the facility benefit students from Bridgemary, it will also be used by local football clubs and members of the wider community of Gosport.
Caroline joined Kim Thackery, head teacher at Bridgemary School for the official first breaking of the ground which was followed by a taster futsal session for students from Bridgemary and surrounding primary schools.
Speaking after the event, Caroline said:
"Access to high-quality sporting facilities is an essential part of getting young people enthusiastic about physical activity. I am delighted that Bridgemary will be opening up the pitch for use by local sports clubs and teams, enabling the community to reap the benefits of an all-weather facility.
With over 20% of Year 6 children in Gosport thought to be obese, it is of the utmost importance that we promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I am confident that the improvement of facilities in our area will encourage more people to stay fit and healthy through participation in sport."
Caroline is a keen advocate of living a healthy and active lifestyle. She was recently appointed a Parliamentary Sport Champion and has worked closely with community sport providers to help them deliver the best sporting opportunities for people in Gosport.
