It was a great score for the town’s young footballers after a new all-weather pitch was unveiled for community teams to hone their skills.

The new £992,000 all-weather artificial grass pitch has been opened at All Hallows Catholic College. The floodlit ‘3G’, or third generation, pitch is a step up from regular astro turf pitches and has tufted fibres to resemble turf, suitable for use in all weather and for sports other than just football.

It can be used by young teams from around Macclesfield, including Richmond Rovers FC, Bollington FC and Tytherington Juniors FC.

It’s the first of its type in the town and over the next five years the number of teams that use it will increase from 63 to 102.

The school has developed a link with Macclesfield Town FC who will deliver a ‘Street Football’ programme for young people. The club’s Academy of Football will also now be based at the site.

Tony Billings, principal of All Hallows, said: “With this development we are proud to be able to provide opportunities for the local community and grass roots sport working with organisations including Bollington FC and Tytherington Juniors FC.

“It has enabled the development of a partnership with Macclesfield Town FC through the new Football Academy and we can also celebrate the enhancement of the sporting facilities here at the college for our students.

“The cultural impact locally will undoubtedly be significant as the opportunities provided by this facility develop.”

The facility was made possible thanks to a £499,900 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, which is delivered by charity the Football Foundation and provides grants towards new or refurbished grassroots football facilities.

The pitch was opened at a ceremony by Alex Bedford, chief operating officer at the Cheshire FA, along with a new changing pavilion too with facilities for players and officials and wheelchair accessible toilets and office space.

Alex Bedford said: “It was a great pleasure to officially open All Hallows Catholic College’s new 3G AGP and changing pavilion. The facilities here in Macclesfield are fantastic, and will be of great value to the school and local clubs.

“I know how much hard work and effort that has been put into making this happen. Thanks must go to the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund for their generous grant.”

Players from Macclesfield Town FC’s Academy of Football