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Created: 23 July 2024

A state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch that meets FIFA standards is poised to start taking shape in Erewash this month – as a £450,000 council project kicks off in the wake of Euro 2024.

Work to begin replacing the artificial turf at Ilkeston’s Rutland Sports Park is scheduled to begin on Monday 29 July just weeks after England’s heart-breaking loss to Spain in the final of the football tournament.

The council clinched funding from the government to install a playing surface fit for local soccer starlets to become the next Jude Bellingham.

It means the pitch site at Rutland Sports Park will be out of action until the start of October – although bookings can be made now for when it reopens.

The company that has a contract to run the borough’s leisure facilities is overseeing the construction. Glen Hall, managing director of Parkwood Leisure, said the project follows more than £1.3million his firm has invested in improving local leisure centres over the past five years.

The spending recently saw the sports park benefit from a £10,000 Giant Animal Olympics Inflatable. The revamped pitch will get upgraded LED floodlighting and fencing, a new shock pad, replacement kickboards and new divider nets.

There will also be what are known as MUGAs – multi use games areas. Mr Hall said: “This additional funding will provide for a significant improvement in the playing surface at Rutland Sports Park and the addition of the MUGAs will also provide a better range of activities at the centre.

“Our partnership with the council continues to strengthen and provide the people of Erewash with new and excellent leisure facilities and services.”

The council’s Deputy Leader Becca Everett – who is Lead Member for Community Engagement – said:

“The decision to further improve the services and activities at Rutland Sports Park shows our commitment to the borough’s leisure centres, which we are investing in for residents to enjoy both now and in the future.
“This commitment helps us to forge a stronger partnership with Parkwood and will support further investment in the leisure centres to provide excellent facilities for the residents of Erewash.”

Bookings to use the new pitch can be made by calling 01159 302033 or by filling in the contact form at www.leisurecentre.com/contact-us