Sally said: "It is an absolute pleasure to open this facility and it is great to know we have such a pitch in Steyning. The school band played a specially written fanfare after Sally had opened the pitch and pupils ran on to show off their football and hockey skills. Work on the pitch at Steyning Grammar School's Shooting Field site started last spring and was finished in December. It was financed through the sale of land and is shared with neighbouring St Andrew's Primary School. The pitch, has floodlighting, and a sand-dressed surface and will be used mainly for football practice and hockey. Head teacher Dr John Peat said: "This is an exciting project which will bring enormous benefits to all our students and the community. "It is a valuable addition to our already extensive sporting facilities, which include football and rugby pitches, grass cricket wicket, floodlit tennis and basketball courts, fitness suite, dance studio, gym and sports hall, as well as the swimming pool. "It also means students can take part in outdoor lessons even when the grass pitches are waterlogged and after-school sports activities can happen in winter, because the pitch is floodlit. As part of the McArdle Group and established for more than 30 years, McArdle Astroturf’s past acclaimed projects have included high profile systems installed at Manchester United Football Club and the Commonwealth Games, as well as working extensively with schools, colleges and local authorities. |
