Monday 7 January 2019 A new sports facility at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is already benefitting local clubs and teams as well as the school’s own pupils. The school has invested over £900,000 in a 3G pitch at the Alwoodley Gates campus. The main contractor SIS Pitches used synthetic turf laid on a shock pad to conform to the highest standards set out by World Rugby. The full size rugby pitch can be converted into two seven-a-side football pitches, and incorporates energy efficient LED floodlighting, a spectator area and a new changing room. Thanks to the durable surface and effective lighting, the pitch can host sessions in all weather conditions at any time of day, extending the training and matchplay opportunities enjoyed by the school’s teams and enabling out of hours access for community groups. The pitch is already used regularly by a local tag rugby league and community football clubs such as Leeds Maccabi and Wigton Moor, providing a valuable facility for junior and adult players. Steve Kingston, director of finance and operations at GSAL, said: “We firmly believe that the best facilities bring more opportunities and inspire our pupils to achieve great things. The completion of the 3G pitch is the icing on the cake following a significant programme of investment into our facilities to enhance the pupil experience, and will be a valuable asset to the school as well as the local community.” It is the latest addition to a wide range of sporting, meeting and event facilities at GSAL’s Alwoodley campus which are available for external hire. Any profits are donated to GSAL for reinvestment into the school, both to improve its offer to current pupils and to grow the bursary fund. GSAL offers means-tested bursaries to support academically talented pupils who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the independent school. Find out more about hiring facilities at The Grammar School at Leeds or email enterprises@gsal.org.uk General News Whole School Community
