As part of the city’s ongoing investment in sports facilities, the three multi-surfaced pitches Stoke Damerel Community College will provide space for several different sports.

The new facilities include a brand new, 2G sand pitch, which whilst primarily suitable for hockey, is a multi-sports surface and can be used for a number of other activities.

Also completed is a smaller 3G pitch, specifically targeted at football and rugby use, which has been supported by a £250,000 grant from the Premier League, the FA and the Football Foundation. Other project funders include: Plymouth City Council, Stoke Damerel Community College and Greenshaw Learning Trust. The project has also received support from Devon Football Association.

A renovation and upgrade of and existing grass pitch, is also part of the works and will open next year.

The new additions will be for both school and community use with modern flood lighting to ensure that they can be used all year round.

The plans complement the work already underway to transform the former Brickfields Sports Centre into a new community wellbeing hub and pitches that are   operated by the Argyle Community Trust.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR, said: "I'm so proud of this fantastic new facility which I know is going to be well used by students and the community alike and aligns with our priority of to improve health outcomes. 

"These pitches are just part of the overall Brickfield masterplan which has given us a once-in-a-generation chance to revamp grassroots sports facilities in Plymouth, allowing a positive life-long impact on health and wellbeing”.

"I'd like to thank Stoke Damerel staff and students for their cooperation in the project, both in the planning and during construction and also the Football Foundation, whose funding has been so crucial."

Anita Frier, Principal of Stoke Damerel Community College and Scott Medical and Healthcare College, said: "These improvements are significant for the long-term ambitions of the College, allowing us to expand and develop the PE offering both for students of SDCC and SMHC, as well as local primary schools.

“Having been without on-site sporting facilities for six months, being able to have all-weather facilities will mean uninterrupted sporting activities for students and community all year.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and 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.

“We’re delighted that the local community in Plymouth will be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Stoke Damerel Community College.”

Booking enquiries for the new pitches can be made by emailing communitysports@sdcc_smhc.net