Chelsea keeper Cech opens new pitch (From Fulham Guardian)

Chelsea keeper Cech opens new pitch

9:36am Wednesday 16th December 2009

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Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, after opening the Xcel Centre three years ago, returned to Walton-on-Thames this week to launch the centre’s new football pitch.

The new Xcel3 facility could not have been achieved without a grant of £949,500 from the Football Foundation and will be used to provide a range of footballing activities to players of all ages and abilities in Elmbridge.

The Football Foundation is the country's largest sports charity, investing £40m into grassroots sports each year, which is provided by the Premier League, The Football Association and the government.

With the addition of the new third generation artificial grass pitch, the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex boasts some of the best facilities in the area.

The full size floodlit pitch can also be divided into thirds for five-a-side games.

The Foundation’s grant has also funded a four-changing room pavilion, situated adjacent to the pitch.

The site will be a base for Chelsea’s award winning community coaching and social inclusion work in the area – providing opportunities for thousands of local children as well as using football as vehicle to engage disaffected young people, cutting down crime and anti social behaviour.

The council will also be maximising the use of the pitch, and engage a wide range of partners to help develop football to the whole community including Walton Casuals and the Surrey FA County Disability League.

Cech, who was attending the opening as part of the Premier League’s Places for Players programme, said: “It’s great the area now has this great new pitch and to see so many children down here today enjoying themselves.

"I’m delighted that Chelsea, the Football Foundation and the Elmbridge Borough Council are putting something back into their communities and I know the Chelsea coaches are looking forward to expanding the great work they do in the community.”

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The new synthetic turf pitch and changing pavilion will massively increase sports provision for the local community and I am delighted that a Football Foundation grant of almost £1m has helped make this project happen.

“Since its launch in July 2000 the Foundation has invested over £374m into 7,400 grassroots projects with money provided by the Premier League, The FA and Government. It is therefore very fitting that Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is officially opening the site.”

Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Councillor Jan Fuller, said: “The council is extremely proud to have achieved such a high quality facility both in terms of its design and finish.

"It represents great value for money and offers a fantastic sporting experience for those hiring the facility. Xcel3 showcases Elmbridge’s on-going commitment to bring better sports facilities to the community. We urge everyone to come along and enjoy this new facility.”

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