The MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, had the honour of officially opening Sawtry Village Academy’s state-of-the-art, 3G sports pitch.

The brand new facility will not only benefit the academy’s students but is also available to the local community, creating new opportunities for sports and fitness in the area.

The project was made possible thanks to a substantial grant of nearly £800,000 from the Football Foundation, covering around 76% of the total cost. Additional funding to support the project came from Huntingdonshire District Council who contributed £150,000 and a joint £100,000 contribution from Meridian Trust and Sawtry Village Academy who also raised nearly £2,000 from their own fundraising activities.

The 91m x 55m 3G floodlit pitch majorly enhances the grassroots facilities to Sawtry Village Academy and the community. Alongside the pitch, the existing multi-use games area has been refurbished, further strengthening the provisions. Local community teams, including Sawtry Colts Football Club and Sawtry FC are already using the facilities, providing a venue for year-round training and matches.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on the 25th of October with representatives from Sawtry Village Academy, Meridian Trust, Huntingdonshire District Council, Hunts FA, Sawtry Colts Football Club, The Football Foundation, and Sawtry Parish Council. Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty had the honour of officially declaring the pitch open.

Simon Parsons, Principal at Sawtry Village Academy, said: “We are exceptionally grateful to everyone involved in funding the facility for their support in making our visions become a reality. Our students are already benefitting significantly from the new facilities, and we look forward to welcoming the local community to use them too.”

“At Sawtry Village Academy we are committed to instilling the values of Meridian Trust, and through extending the boundaries of learning we want to enhance all students learning through sports and fitness.”

Mr Obese-Jecty MP said: “It was a privilege to open the new 3G sports pitch at Sawtry Village Academy. The Football Foundation is working tirelessly alongside the Premier League, The FA and Government to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England. Grassroots sports are often community-driven and at the heart of a town or village.

“Being able to offer facilities that nurture talent and provide pathways to professional sports is invaluable. Not only does encouraging sports promote a sense of community and teamwork, but it is also invaluable for both physical and mental health in both adults and children. We are excited to see how the new facilities will help local football initiatives grow and thrive within our community.”

Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust, said: “We are thrilled with the new 3G sports pitch and enhanced sports facilities at Sawtry Village Academy. This achievement would not have been possible without the generous funding received.

“At Meridian Trust, sport is integral to our pupils’ educational experience. Through sport, our young people learn essential life skills such as teamwork and communication, while also staying physically active and building self-esteem.

“We are excited to share these fantastic facilities with our local community and look forward to seeing them used to their full potential.”