A NEW cutting-edge football pitch was unveiled at Parmiter's School in Garston by Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking on Thursday, April 1.

The £1.2million project boasts a full-size floodlit synthetic turf pitch, changing rooms for up to ten teams, physio rooms and a large refreshment area. The facilities have been funded largely by the Lottery's Football Foundation, which contributed £800,000.

Sir Trevor, a director of football development at the FA and Football Foundation trustee, said: "The superb new complex is a tribute to the hard work of everyone at the school. It's fantastic news that money from the top of the game is now helping to develop the next generation of players and facilities. The Football Foundation and its partnership with the New Opportunities Fund is radically altering the footballing landscape in schools throughout the country."

While pupils at Parmiter's, which has a strong footballing culture among both female and male pupils, will take advantage of the new pitch, the wider community will also be able to access it outside of school hours. The so-called third generation pitches are the latest in football technology, as used by Premiership players Manchester United and European Champions Real Madrid.

Headteacher of Parmiter's Mr Brian Coulshed said: "The grant of £800,000 is the product of two years of planning and preparation by Tony Quy, our sports centre manager, and Brendan Silke, the school bursar, which has been strongly supported by Cassiobury Rangers Youth Football Club."

"The new facilities will provide excellent all weather facilities for the playing of football and hockey by Parmiter's students and by members of the local community."