Construction is about to begin on Helsby High School's new 3G artificial grass pitch (AGP) and changing pavilion, a project nearly seven years in the making.

An AGP uses synthetic turf and a sand infill to create a surface that will not get muddy in the rain and which is therefore suitable for all weathers.

Helsby High School's state-of-the-art pitch will provide the perfect location for year-round football training and competitive matches, for pupils, the wider community and especially for members of Frodsham Junior Football Club, the school's key partner in the development.

"This means that we can continue to provide high quality physical education and guarantee use all year round," said School Governor Andrew Wheeler.

"The pitch, which meets FA standards, will improve the curriculum we offer as well as supporting the wellbeing of students, who will be able to enjoy more extra-curricular activities."

There will also be many opportunities for other sports groups and individuals to use the facility, which will be available up to 10pm Monday to Friday, as well as on weekends.

In this way, Helsby High School's AGP will complement the existing all-weather pitch at Frodsham's Brio leisure centre, which, because of its multi-purpose nature, is often booked up well in advance.

"There is ample parking at the High School, and it is easily accessible for residents of Frodsham, Helsby and surrounding villages, so we are encouraged that the new pitch will be well-used," Andrew added.

This project is one in a series of developments aimed at modernising the 72-year-old school building.

Previous ventures have included the installation of sustainable energy sources such as solar panels, and the recent refurbishment of the school's netball and tennis courts, which was supported by a grant from the Marshes Community Benefit Fund.

Both the AGP development and the sports court improvements form part of the school's Community Sport Initiative, which was launched six years ago.

"We recognised that our school facilities are a good asset that could be put to community use, but that we needed help from other groups to deliver our plans for the future," said Andrew.

Having teamed up with Frodsham Junior Football Club, Helsby High School also worked with Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Football Foundation to raise the £1.1 million needed for the creation of the 3G pitch.

Planning permission was granted in 2019, but the construction could only start once certain conditions were met.

With these stipulations now discharged, work will begin on Helsby High School's AGP over the upcoming Easter holidays, and it is hoped that it will be ready to open at the start of the new school year in September 2021.