On Tuesday 11 October 2011, local people in Lowestoft, Suffolk, celebrated the official re-launch of a third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch at The Denes High School. Aaron Wilbraham attended to carry out a coaching session and answer questions from the pupils.
The original project was funded with the help of a £428,750 grant from the Football Foundation in 2004. After seven years of heavy usage from pupils at The Denes High School and the local community the decision was taken to refurbish the pitch during the summer. The refurbishment project was financed using a sinking fund, where income from the facility is set aside annually to ensure funding is available for improvement works, when required – this is a condition of all Football Foundation grants to ensure the longevity of new facilities.
Kevin Oldman - the Deputy Operation Manager for The Denes High School, said:
" Since we received the grant back in 2004 we have seen a massive increase in participation."
"Lowestoft is a very small town, so there isn't much in the way of community venues so for the Foundation to support not only with the grant but also with the on-going support has allowed the local community to use first class facilities."
Watch the video about how the School has managed to resurface their AGP along with the support they have received from the Football Foundation and Suffolk FA since receiving their grant in 2004.
