WORK is under way at Cowes Enterprise College to build a £1 million state-of-the-art artificial grass football pitch — the first of its kind on the Isle of Wight.

The full-size floodlit 3G (third generation) pitch recently gained planning approval from the Isle of Wight Council and the diggers were in last week, with it due to be finished and ready for use by September.

Isle of Wight County Press: Work in progress to build a state-of-the-art 3G football pitch at Cowes Enterprise College. From left, Cllr Paul Brading, James Miller, of the Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), college principal Rachel Kitley, IW Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, and Luke Bowers, of OAT. Photo: Robin CrossleyWork in progress to build a state-of-the-art 3G football pitch at Cowes Enterprise College. From left, Cllr Paul Brading, James Miller, of the Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), college principal Rachel Kitley, IW Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, and Luke Bowers, of OAT. Photo: Robin Crossley

The college has pledged it will not only be available for use by its students during the day, it will also be available for community use in the evenings and at weekends.

Cowes Enterprise College principal, Rachel Kitley, said: “We are so excited work is under way on what will be an amazing facility when completed.

“It’s the latest step in Cowes Enterprise College’s ongoing success story — but I am also delighted this will be a facility the whole community will be able to take advantage of.

“We are a school that is incredibly proud to serve its community and we really do want everyone to make use of this fantastic new pitch — the first 3G pitch on the Island.”

Isle of Wight County Press: Construction underway at Cowes Enterprise College. Photo: Robin CrossleyConstruction underway at Cowes Enterprise College. Photo: Robin Crossley

The project was made possible thanks to funding provided by the Isle of Wight Council, a big supporter of it, which has invested £412,000, and through a grant of £448,815 from the Premier League, the FA and the Football Foundation charity.

The college’s sponsors, the Birmingham-based Ormiston Academies Trust, have also heavily backed the ambitious project.

The pitch will provide an excellent addition to the already well-used sports amenities at Cowes and will enhance the sport and physical activity curriculum of the college through its partnerships with local primary schools and Island sporting events, according to a college spokesman.

Isle of Wight Council’s Cllr Paul Brading, cabinet member for education, said: “I can’t wait to see the facility complete and in use.

“It’s a brilliant initiative the whole Island will be able to use.

“We have some exceptional footballing talent on the Island and this project will give our future sports stars the opportunity to train on an exceptional pitch.”

The project also includes the installation of pitch perimeter fencing, new floodlights and an equipment store, with the pitch within convenient proximity to onsite changing rooms in the college.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, added: “Works on the new facility will undoubtedly provide a boost for grassroots sport on the Isle of Wight.

“These facilities not only act as excellent physical and social outlets for communities, but also provide new jobs — during construction and in the years to come.”