The sport facility was opened at Ryedale School by two former pupils and now current England Red Roses International Rugby Union players, Tatyana Heard and Morwenna Talling.
Executive Headteacher, Domenica Wilkinson, said: “Realising this facility for Ryedale School has been well over a decade in the making.
“Aside from the sporting benefits, which are very close to my heart, I am especially delighted that we now have a facility that sits at the heart of our community and brings that community into Ryedale School.
“This project was only made possible thanks to support from Areté Learning Trust and the generous support of individuals and businesses in our community.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Scarborough and Whitby MP on support for welfare bill despite previous opposition
Public safety at risk as new North Yorkshire speed camera is vandalised
A64 overnight closures in North Yorkshire planned for next week
“We would like to give a special thanks to: Beckett League Football; The Kirkby Foundation; Rack; KMS FC; Garfield Weston Foundation; The Holbeck Charitable Trust; Sylatech; CW Strickland & Son; Mexborough Estates; Thomas the Baker; Councillor Greg White; St Martin’s School Trust Limited; Kirkbymoorside Town Council; Mr and Mrs Bowsher, and the Football Foundation.”
Ms Wilkinson added: “The pitch will operate as a community hub, encouraging local people to take part in physical activity and engage with sport in a way which wasn’t previously accessible to them. We hope that the facility will also attract those from further afield into the area to take part in competitions and tournaments.
” Income generated from the use of the pitch will be ring-fenced to support its maintenance, improve other sports facilities at the school, and to form a fund to renew the surface when it needs replacing, approximately every 10 years.
“In April 2023, we were awarded a £500,000 grant from the Football Foundation, which was matched by charitable foundations, local businesses and our incredible local community in support of the new facility, to provide the people of Ryedale and beyond with access to high quality grassroots sports facilities.
“The 3G funding appeal set up by the school saw an overwhelming amount of support and helped to realise this ambitious project and provide a welcome addition to the district. Since its opening, Ryedale has been committed to combining the very best educational provision with high expectations and traditional values.
“This has helped to achieve the aspiration of developing sport provision by installing a state-of-the-art 3G pitch within the school grounds. The new facility is a FIFA approved full-sized football pitch with rugby shock pads and high-quality synthetic turf that is suitable for use all year round. The playing surface is a game-changer for the students, local grassroots teams and the wider community and the communal use of the pitch ensures that Ryedale residents will continue to benefit from the facility for years to come. ”
Bookings for the new facility are now available via the SchoolHire website (Artificial Pitches (2G/3G) for hire in York – SchoolHire).
