Garstang school in final to win new floodlit artificial pitch

Garstang Community Academy is a finalist in a competition launched by housebuilders Persimmon Homes to support amateur youth sport.

Business leaders in the town are showing their support by putting posters up in shop windows, encouraging customers to vote for the school’s project of a new sports facility.

Tracey Jones, business development manager at the Academy, said: “We are urging people to back us and take the time to vote as such a large amount of money would be a real game changer for our group. We are fund-raising to create an outstanding sports facility for the community.

“When complete, it will be used by more than 11,000 children from feeder primary schools, as well as junior sports teams.

“The project will deliver a new floodlit full sized artificial pitch for hockey, netball and five-a-side football, which will also enable the academy to host holiday sports clubs.”

Thirty finalists are competing for the top prize, with voting closing on March 16.

Jasmine Jolly, head girl at Garstang Community Academy, said: “The all-weather pitch will inspire me and many others to get involved in a variety of sports. I think it will be a valuable asset.”

And Year 10 pupil Emily Lawrenson added: “I think it would benefit the school and the community and young people for years to come.”

To vote, visit https://www.persimmonhomes.com/healthy-communities