Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy (OSCA) has officially opened its new all-weather 3G football pitch with a special ceremony.
The event marked the culmination of months of fundraising and development, with students, staff, families and local guests gathering to mark the occasion. As part of the celebrations, the Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Steve Melia, cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally unveil the new facility before touring the pitch and meeting with students and staff. A girls’ football tournament involving teams from the school and partnering clubs of Netherton Colts, Oldbury FC and Avery FC was also held on the pitch, giving spectators the chance to see the new facility in action and celebrate the sporting spirit already thriving at the academy.
Delivered thanks to funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, the project forms part of a national drive to improve access to quality sports facilities for schools and communities across the country. The academy was selected as a site for the new pitch in recognition of the local community’s need for high-quality sports facilities, aligning closely with Sandwell Council’s priorities for the area.
To help make the project a reality, the academy and its community raised £10,000 to demonstrate their commitment to the Football Foundation’s funding process. This included a sponsored walk involving over 50 students and staff, as well as a local community litter pick.
The full-size, floodlit pitch will enhance the academy’s sports provision and provide students with a high-quality space for PE, training and competitive matches all year round. Outside of school hours, the facility will also be available for local community groups and organisations to hire, helping wider access to sport across the area.
The pitch forms part of the academy’s wider commitment to student wellbeing and enrichment, while strengthening ties with the local community.
Cllr Steve Melia, Mayor of Sandwell, said: “It’s wonderful to see young people benefit from such a fantastic new facility. Not only will this pitch support students at OSCA to stay active and achieve their potential, it will also become a hub for the wider community to enjoy sport and recreation.”
Pete McKinniss, Principal said: “We’re incredibly proud of what this project represents – from the generosity of our supporters to the determination of our students. This pitch will have a lasting impact on our academy and community, and we were delighted to welcome the Mayor to help us celebrate its official opening.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“We’re delighted that the local community in Sandwell will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G pitch at Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy.”