Football participation in Norfolk has received a boost with the opening of a state-of-the-art facility made possible with the help of the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund.
The 3G artificial grass pitch, constructed with a grant of £216,598 from the PLFAFF, will be used by Long Stratton High School and Long Stratton FC to develop football in the local area.
The pitch is the first step in the creation of a multisport hub that will benefit Long Stratton and villages in the local area.
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— Football Foundation (@FootballFoundtn) January 13, 2017
Huckerby and Martin delighted with new all-weather pitch that will boost Norwich football.https://t.co/TQEVZEVoSo pic.twitter.com/uWsiQxOBsr
Long Stratton FC are expected to create nine new teams thanks to the facility, with the club offering coaching qualifications on site to ensure each of their teams benefit from a level one coach.
The facility was opened by former Norwich City striker Darren Huckerby, who knows the value of safe and high-quality pitches to play on as coach of the club's Under-16 team.
"What a brilliant new pitch this is," he said. "My playing days and subsequent role as a coach have made me appreciate just how important these types of facilities are, with youngsters needing to get out there and enjoy their football on top-quality playing surfaces."
