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Trustee Vincent Ricci hands over the sweeper to John Kelly
Football facilities in Denton, Greater Manchester are set for a long life, thanks to the support of registered charity GREAT Neighbourhoods.
Denton Youth football club run the setup at Martin Fields in King Street, Denton on behalf of the local authority. But each time the artificial pitch is swept and cleaned, the club was landed with a £200 bill. The charity stepped in and donated a new ride-on sweeper. Weekly treatment will extend the quality and life of the plastic surface for the benefit of local football players.
Club treasurer John Kelly said: “We run 12 teams from age 6 upwards and everyone is welcome to use the pitches. The council has improved the drainage of the grass pitches, but maintaining the artificial pitch was a financial headache. With the charity’s generous donation, we can treat the playing surface to keep it in tip-top condition. It’s the plastic equivalent of Wembley’s famous turf!”
GREAT Neighbourhoods trustee Vincent Ricci went to Martin Fields to hand the sweeper over to John. Vincent still plays football regularly and tried out the playing surface himself. He said: “We were impressed with the number of youngsters already playing for Denton Youth. But we wanted to help as this club runs and manages this site for the benefit of the community. Protecting the condition and prolonging the life of the pitch will help increase the number of people able to take part in sport.”
Over the last year, Tameside council and the Football Foundation spent £1.2m transforming the sports fields and changing rooms. In July, Vincent Ricci opened the renamed playing fields in memory of popular former councillor and close friend Martin Wareing who died last May.
