A new artificial football pitch in Halstead is now open for bookings after being completed ahead of schedule.
A new artificial football pitch in Halstead is now open for bookings after being completed ahead of schedule.
The recently replaced full size artificial grass football pitch was completed last week and boasts not only a full size pitch but also has 9, 7 and 5 a side pitch markings. It is built to FIFA standards to enable competitive grass root football fixtures to be played at all levels.
The new pitch can be booked through Fusion Lifestyle who operate Halstead Leisure Centre and provides improved facilities for residents and local clubs, supporting the development of grass roots football in the community. It will also be used by students of Ramsey Academy through a joint use agreement.
Following discussions with stakeholders, it was agreed for the new pitch to be named the ‘Calum Leys Memorial Pitch’ in tribute to the former Ramsey Academy PE teacher, Head of School and much admired member of the Halstead Community.
Mr Leys was proud to be a part of the Ramsey Academy and local community. He worked at the school for 15 years as Deputy Headteacher and more recently as Head of School. He was a key member in developing the school culture and ethos by encouraged every student to adopt the aim of ‘be the best you can be’. Everything he did was for the students, even if this meant an inconvenience for himself. He wanted students to have a wide range of experiences and opportunities.
As a member of the local community, living locally, he understood the need for a school with a positive reputation that would cater for all the children in the area, irrespective of their ability or interests. Whilst most students make the right behaviour choices, there are others that need more support. Mr Leys always took the time to work with individuals and their families to help develop the sense of responsibility required to be part of the community.
Mr James, Executive Headteacher stated, “Sport plays an important role in the school, by providing students with the opportunity to excel and develop lifelong skills. Mr Leys would be honoured and proud that this excellent new facility bears his name and is a fitting tribute to the legacy he has left at The Ramsey Academy.”
Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Peter Tattersley, said: “This is sure to be a much loved new facility for the many football teams in Halstead including boys and girls youth teams, men and women’s adult teams, walking football and inclusive Soccerbility sessions. We are honoured to be able to support Ramsey Academy to remember and pay tribute their head of school in such a positive way.”