Leicester City footballer officially opens new 3G sports pitch

In front of pupils, parents/carers, players/coaches from the partner football clubs – Birstall United Juniors, Mountsorrel Juniors and East Goscote United – teachers, governors and local councillors, Kasey cut the ribbon to formally open this fantastic new facility, which has been 15 years in the making.

After receiving a funding grant from the Premier League, the Football Association (FA) and the Government via its Football Foundation, work on the pitch began in March 2024 and was finished in late July 2024, thanks to the phenomenal efforts from Premises and Estates teams at both The Cedars Academy and Lionheart Educational Trust. Their hard work ensured that the impressive facility was ready in time for the new academic year, with pupils already enjoying the opportunity to use it in PE lessons and extracurricular activities.

The pitch – which can be used as either one full-sized pitch, two seven-a-side pitches or four five-a-side pitches – also represents a fantastic resource for Birstall. Partner football clubs have already started using it for winter training, while local community members have also enjoyed booking playing slots, with the pitch open from 5:30pm – 10pm on weekdays and 8:30am – 4:30pm on weekends.

“We are incredibly proud to see the completion of this long-awaited 3G pitch, which represents a huge step forward for both The Cedars Academy and our wider community,” said Associate Principal of The Cedars Academy, Mr Rolfe.

“This facility is not only a fantastic asset for our students, enriching their PE and extracurricular experiences, but it also provides a vital resource for local sports teams and residents.”

"It is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for our students.”

Oliver Willis, Head of Estates for Lionheart Educational Trust, of which Cedars are a part, said: “We're incredibly proud to see this project come to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have on Birstall and beyond.

"We are immensely grateful to the Premier League, The FA and Government via the Football Foundation, Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, and the Palmer-Tomkinson Trust for their generous support. Their contributions have made this fantastic facility possible.”