New Hathershaw College Pitch Opens to Students and Local Community

Hathershaw College unveiled its brand new state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch, providing students and the wider community with access to high quality sporting and football facilities.

The official opening of the pitch was marked on Thursday (24 September), during the grand final of the Pinnacle Primary Sports Cluster football fixtures, a PLT led initiative facilitated by Lorna Philip - Pinnacle Community Sport and Outreach Officer, and Pete Jackson - Oldham Active Schools Sports Coach.

The new pitch has been delivered through a partnership between The Pinnacle Learning Trust (PLT), the Premier League, the FA and the Government's Football Foundation, with Oldham Active and PlayFootball supporting the school to ensure the facility can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

 The Sports Cluster provides vital sporting opportunities and activities for 25 primary schools across Oldham. 

 The special event was attended by former Oldham Athletic manager Pete Wild, who cut the ribbon, alongside representatives from the Football Foundation, Oldham Active, PlayFootball and partner clubs, to mark the milestone.

Stuart Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer at Oldham Active, said: "Oldham Active are delighted to take the lead role in operating community use of the new Hathershaw facility on behalf of Pinnacle Trust.

“It's clear from the outset that this venue is a real source of pride for local residents, and we will strive to ensure it is enjoyed to the full outside of school hours.”

The development represents a significant investment in physical health and wellbeing of students, while also creating new opportunities for local people to take part in sport, develop their skills and enjoy football within the community. 

The pitch will also serve as a community facility, helping to make football and physical activity more accessible to people of all ages.

Susie Fraser, Principal at Hathershaw College, said: "It has been an absolute delight to officially open our fantastic new 3G sports pitch, it represents a massive milestone for both Hathershaw College and our wider local community.

 “We are deeply committed to supporting the physical health, wellbeing and personal development of our students and families. The state-of-the-art facility will greatly enhance our PE offer, school teams and extracurricular activities, providing an inspiring space where young people can build confidence and thrive.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said the Football Foundation is working closely with partners, including the Premier League, the FA and the government to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

"Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities,” he said. "We're delighted that the local community in Oldham will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new pitch."