Middlesbrough FC defender George Friend has officially opened the MFC Foundation’s new 3G artificial grass pitch (AGP).
The Boro man cut the ribbon on the £0.5m full-sized all-weather 3G pitch at the Herlingshaw Centre in Eston, then put a group of young footballers from Chandlers Ridge Academy through their paces on the new surface.
The project was installed by Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd and Dawn Fencing Limited of Leigh – which has been going more than 30 years and is the only fencing contractor dedicated solely to sports – after a £450,000 grant from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund. Tees Valley Community Foundation chipped in £50,000.
Smiths provided new land drainage, repairs to the existing sub-base, new fencing, floodlighting and a spectator viewing area – and will provide on-going maintenance of the 3G surface. Sports fence systems manufacturer Zaun provided its Duo8 Super Rebound sports fencing, spectator railings and gates.
Pictured too are the Deputy Mayor for Redcar and Cleveland, Neil Bendelow, and MFC Foundation Chair of Trustees Stewart Smith as the newly refurbished full size floodlit pitch was opened.
MFC Foundation head Helena Pinder said: ‘We are delighted at the completion of the new facility. It looks fantastic and we are looking forward to opening it up to the public and local community to use.’
