Progress has been rapid and work on the new 3G ATP (Artificial Turf Pitch) at Godmanchester Rovers is well under way. Contractors CLS/Lano from Belgium have made hay whilst the sun shines over the first 4 weeks of the project and are currently reporting being ahead of their programme.
It is anticipated that the pitch will be open around the autumn period when the clocks change and therefore perfect timing for many clubs looking to secure all weather and floodlit training facilities.
Interest in bookings has been high and provisional bookings taken from clubs and teams keen to secure slots when the facility finally opens.
A newly formed company - Godmanchester Sports Lettings Ltd has been appointed to deliver the management of the facility at The Peter Hodson Memorial Ground and a new Operations Manager, Paul France, commenced work this week to begin the unenviable task of setting up all of the policies and processes that are required behind the scenes to make such a project succeed. Paul previously held roles with One Leisure managing facilities at Ramsey, St Neots and Huntingdon over a 30 year period in the leisure industry before becoming the Business and Operations Manager for the whole of One Leisure.
Godmanchester Rovers Chairman Richard Cosbey said,
"We are delighted to have secured someone of Paul's experience and stature in the sport and leisure management industry. Paul has been associated with Godmanchester Rovers for 10 years, initially with the youth and then under 18's teams, before assisting with the coaching and management of the mens 1st team. It is however his knowledge and contacts within the leisure industry that will be crucial to Godmanchester Sports Lettings Ltd delivering a top class facility which we hope will not just stop at the 3G artificial turf pitch"
Support for the delivery of the pitch has been positive and various contributions in terms of financial, usage agreements and delivery assistance has come from partners such as Hunts FA, Huntingdonshire District Council, MM Flowers, Cambridge United, Norwich City, Huntingdon Stags RFU and St Ives RFU amongst others.
"MM Flowers are pleased to announce that we have entered into a 3 year partnership with Godmanchester Sports Lettings Ltd, HDC and the Football Foundation to provide time, resources and facilities to support local community health and well being through the construction of a 3G multi-sports pitch and supporting infrastructure at Bearscroft Lane, home of Godmanchester Rovers FC.
These activities are also aligned with the local ambitions for community of our key retail partners M&S, Tesco and Co-op and will also support other stakeholders who aim to improve participation in exercise based leisure and provide facilities for wider community activities."
MM Flowers Spokesperson
