Middlesbrough FC (MFC) fans’ favourite George Friend has officially opened the MFC Foundation’s new 3G artificial grass pitch (AGP).
The popular Boro defender cut the ribbon on the £½ million full-sized all-weather 3G pitch at the Herlingshaw Centre in Eston, then put a group of talented young footballers from Chandlers Ridge Academy through their paces 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 – following a £450,000 grant from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund. At the same time, Tees Valley Community Foundation chipped in £50,000.
Smiths provided a new land drainage system, repairs to the existing sub-base, new fencing, floodlighting and a spectator viewing area – and will provide ongoing maintenance of the 3G surface.
Dawn turned to sports fence systems manufacturer Zaun, which provided its renowned Duo8 Super Rebound sports fencing, spectator railings and gates.
George was joined by 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.
He said: ‘I love the new pitch. It’s great that the Foundation now has such a superb facility. It’s a professional standard, and hopefully, the local community can come and play like professionals on it!’
MFC Foundation head Helena Pinder said: ‘We are delighted after the new facility. It looks fantastic, and we are looking forward to opening it up to the public and local community to use.’
