By Julie Waters
TWO Donaghadee schools have thrown their support behind growing calls for a new 4G football pitch for the town, saying the facility would boost the health and wellbeing of local young people.
Killard House School and Donaghadee Primary School have now offered their ‘full support’ for the proposed development of the pitch at Crommelin Park.
Campaigners have been calling for new sports pitches for over a decade. However they have been feeling increasingly overlooked after Ards and North Down council announced investments of around £6.5m for a sportsplex in Portaferry and nearly £3m for a sports pitch in Portavogie.
The Donaghadee proposal has gained momentum in recent months, with The South Belfast Youth Football Club (SBYL) and the Irish Football Association (IFA) all rowing in behind the scheme.
Mrs Claire Kerr, Killard House School principal, has now offered her ‘strong’ support for the scheme saying that access to high quality, all-weather sports facilities was of ‘particular importance to our pupils’.
“Many of our students face barriers to participation in physical activity, including mobility challenges, sensory needs and difficulties with coordination and confidence,” said the principal.
“A 3G pitch would provide a safe, consistent and inclusive environment that supports engagement in physical education, therapy-led activities and structured sports.”
The principal outlined some of the benefits for the pupils include inclusive physical activity, health and well-being, year round access, increased social development and community integration.
Said Mrs Kerr: “We would welcome the opportunity to utilise the facility as part of our curriculum and enrichment programme and we are keen to explore potential partnerships to maximise its inclusive use.”
Donaghadee Primary School, principal Evelyn Scott said the school recognises the significant impact that enhanced sporting facilities would have on our pupils and the wider community.
“Access to a high-quality, all-weather pitch would greatly support the delivery of physical education, extracurricular sport and community- based activities, promoting health, well-being and active lifestyles for children and families,” she said.
Mrs Scott said the school was particularly encouraged by the proposal’s ‘collaborative nature’ with support also from Donaghadee Community Development Association, the Irish Football Association and the South Belfast Youth Football League.
Said the principal: “The project represents a much-needed and long overdue enhancement to local provision. We firmly believe it would make a lasting and meaningful contribution to the sporting infrastructure and community life of Donaghadee.”
Ricky Robinson, secretary of Donagahee Youth Football Club, who is spearheading the campaign, says a modern pitch would help tackle the shortage of quality sports facilities in the town.
He welcomed the schools’ support saying: “The pitch would be great for both schools as there is not a lot of green space in either school. The schools could use it regularly and for sports days and everybody would be in a safe environment.’
Mr Robinson said he hoped the growing support for the new pitch proposal would spur the council into action.
“The ball is in the council’s court, “ he said “They promised us 15 years ago that the facilities needed to be updated and they are dragging their heels.”
According to council papers presented to last week’s Environment Committee, council officials are set to develop an updated business case to provide both football and hockey facilities at Crommelin Park.
