THE first all-weather football pitch of its kind in the county has been officially unveiled at a Hereford school.

The new third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) at The Hereford Academy in Marlbrook Road was officially opened by MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire Jesse Norman.

A grant of £150,548 was given to the school towards the project from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund.

The grant enabled the academy, working in partnership with The Bishop Anthony Educational Trust, to resurface their existing 3G AGP to offer users a state-of-the-art playing surface.

Mr Norman said: “I’m also extremely pleased to hear of the projected increases in sports participation now expected here. The physical and mental benefits of regular sports participation are beyond doubt. Projects like this also support local industry, creating jobs during their construction and delivery.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to make the most of the new opportunities provided by this state-of-the-art facility.”

The refurbished playing surface will join the academy’s existing full-size grass pitches and training area, as well as a two team changing pavilion.

As well as school's pupils, grassroots clubs Pegasus FC, Hinton FC and Belmont FC will use it on a weekly basis.

Hereford FC will be delivering sessions through their Academy and Community arms. In addition, the Herefordshire FA will continue to use the site as its principal venue, regularly delivering a number of coaching courses at the facility.

Women's football participation is expected to grow by 55 per cent thanks to the creation of 12 new grassroots teams at the site. This will also be aided by the formation of a new women's football league, for which the site will be a primary venue.