TRAVELLING miles to access all-weather sporting facilities is a thing of the past for the residents of Launceston thanks to the opening of a new floodlit third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) at Launceston College on Sunday afternoon (June 30).

The new full-size pitch was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, through their charity, the Football Foundation.

After netting a £487,117 grant from the Football Foundation, work begun on the site in March of this year. The new pitch replaces an old unlit and unused redgra pitch, which was no longer fit for purpose. Not only will the college students benefit from a first-class facility, but also the local community and sporting organisations can now improve the provision of sport and wellbeing activities.

The addition of the all-weather pitch is vital in maintaining participation during the traditional wet winter months in the local area. Many children and adults find themselves without competitive football for several weeks during the period from November to February. The new pitch will ensure games take place regularly and help prevent the drop out of players that is triggered during these periods.

With the alternative 3G pitches over ten miles away in Callington, Tavistock and Bodmin, Cornwall County FA identified the site as a priority area to provide accessible football facilities. It is estimated that nearly 500 additional people will start playing football on the pitch at Launceston College over the next five years. The creation of numerous women’s and girls’ teams will also support 270 female players participating in competitive football during this timeframe.

Plymouth Argyle will also be working with the local Launceston community in developing opportunities for all. Mark Lovell, head of the Argyle Community Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see the project come to life. It has lots of potential and will certainly make a huge difference within the local community.”

Mark Adams, assistant principal at Launceston College, said: “After lots of hard work from a dedicated team of people we are delighted that the new 3G football pitch is open and of such high quality. The pitch has potential to give so many a facility that the local community has been searching for. It will positively influence the lives of young and old alike. We would like to formally thank the Football Foundation, the Premier League, The FA and Government, our local partner clubs and the local community for their input and support in delivering this project to improve grassroots sport in our town.”

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The support of the Premier League, The FA and Government enables the Football Foundation to help improve community sports facilities like this one across the country. Their funding has played a key role in delivering this new all-weather pitch in Cornwall and I am delighted for everyone associated with Launceston College.

“This is one example we want to make people in Cornwall aware of, that they have the kind of quality pitches and changing rooms that are taken for granted in other counties.

“We will continue to support projects nationwide, but we cannot do this on our own, so we are encouraging organisations in the area to join our movement to deliver quality football facilities for people in Cornwall once and for all.

“Taking part in community sport at any level offers many benefits and rewards, not least the opportunity for people to enjoy themselves and socialise with different members of the community.”

The day itself was deemed a resounding success.

Starting at 11am, Southgate ran an hour-long coaching session for over 50 youngsters before it was Launceston Football Club’s turn from 12 noon to 1pm. They split the pitch into two with half for the juniors and the other for the ladies.

Plymouth Argyle Community Trust then spent their hour with community officer and coach Bobby Hopkinson holding an open session for any youngsters interested until the official opening got underway at 2pm.

As well as that, Argyle also had two inflatable pitches set up and were to use.

Launceston Tennis Club, whose courts are situated right next to the 3G used the opportunity to sell strawberries and cream and had a ‘fastest serve’ competition and baby courts set up.

Launceston College ran some catering and there was also a barbecue and an ice cream van. Tom Glendinning brought his team from Launceston Leisure Centre while there was also representation from the fire brigade and police.

But the highlight of the day was the official opening by North Cornwall MP Scott Mann, followed by a 30 minutes aside match between Plymouth Argyle/Launceston College and Launceston Community versus Launceston FC/Southgate men and coaches.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Tommy Ellacott and Liam Bryant scoring the goals.

To decide the winners, a penalty shootout was declared with Launceston FC/Southgate taking the spoils.

Reflecting on the day, Mr Adams said: “It was a really good day and the weather really helped. All of the activities on offer were about bringing the community together. It was lovely to see people from all over the local area.

“Scott Mann opened the pitch and then actually played in the big game, which was great, and so did local policeman Steve Stoppard.