West Bridgford Junior School
West Bridgford Junior School’s need for an all-sports grass pitch has been made a reality thanks to four local businesses and a parent-backed crowdfunding campaign.
Thomas Bow City Asphalt, Leonard Design Architects, Rushcliffe Fencing and Trust Utility Management each provided an array of skills and resources to boost the school’s sporting activities. The initiative has also been supported by the local community and backed by a crowdfunding page set up by the student’s parents who have donated a whopping £1,050
The idea of a new multi-use pitch was conceived when the school’s year six football team enjoyed national success earlier this year at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena in the English Schools’ Football Association Danone Nations Cup. However, with no grass area to train at the school, the four local businesses decided to lend a helping hand.
John Morgan, director at Leonard Design Architects, said: “We are thrilled to support this local project, especially since myself and many of our staff at Leonard Design live in West Bridgford. Giving back to the community and collaborating with some fantastic Nottingham businesses has been a real pleasure.”
Leonard Design worked on the concept and, by changing the shape of the space, increased the size of the playground as well as creating the pitch. John added: “The students are really excelling at sport so we are delighted to be able to support their achievements and encourage them to keep active.”
Rushcliffe Fencing installed mesh fencing at one end of the pitch to make the area as safe as possible, Trust Utility Management undertook all the piping and drainage for the site – a very complex part of the project – and Thomas Bow supplied the surfacing.
Managing director Alistair Bow said: “We were delighted when Leonard Design asked us to join the project. As chairman of Nottingham Rugby Club, myself and the company have close ties with the local area and believe that physical education is incredibly important so we are confident the students will make great use of the pitch.”
Steve Arnold, the headteacher at West Bridgford Junior School, said: “We are all overjoyed with the support we have received from these local businesses and the community. Sporting activities not only promote physical health but also help to encourage the development of values such as teamwork so the students are going to really benefit from the new facility.