by Surplus Thu May 19, 2016 1:13 am
HARROGATE TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE A MAJOR INVESTMENT INTO COMMUNITY FOOTBALL
A brand new state-of-the-art third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) is set to be installed at The CNG Stadium. This is in addition to a development at St John Fisher Catholic High School, where a separate 3G pitch will be constructed with the clubs’ backing.
These developments signal a significant boost to football facilities in Harrogate and District. Both facilities will serve the local community as well as providing the football club additional capacity to grow. Managing Director Garry Plant commented “This is a monumental day, both for the football club and the local community. The development at St John Fisher will allow the club to play a much bigger part in the community, with a usage plan developed in conjunction with The Football Foundation and West Riding County FA we can ensure this state-of-the-art facility will be accessible for everyone in the area. Outside of school hours, the 3G will be managed entirely by ourselves, and will be available for hire by the public as early as this September”.
An equally significant development for the club is the transformation of the playing surface at The CNG stadium. The new pitch will have the look and feel of grass but crucially, will be able to withstand extensive use in all weather. Manager Simon Weaver believes the new surface will provide excellent playing characteristics in terms of ball bounce and ball roll, with turf tested to FIFA’s 2 Star standard. Weaver commented: “As a manager, this development is incredibly exciting. The CNG Stadium has really become a fortress for us, and now the playing surface will help us give the fans more of the dynamic, fast-paced football they've grown accustomed to. It also means we can regularly train at the ground, which will give give us a real edge going into the new season”.