STUDENTS at William Cobbett Primary School have celebrated the official opening of a new mini-pitch.

The project was funded by the Football Association, with the school being one of just seven in the country to be chosen from more than 250 applicants.

William Cobbett also contributed more than £12,000 to the cause, which was raised through a variety of fundraising events in the last few months with help from Farnham Town and Badshot Lea football clubs.

On the day of the opening, on Tuesday, staff and pupils at William Cobbett were visited by Aldershot Town Football Club captain Karleigh Osborne, who presided over the grand opening of the pitch.

There was much excitement as he cut the purple ribbon and the first two teams made their way onto the turf for a five-a-side exhibition match.

Karleigh stayed to watch the game as the year six pupils put on a display of skill and sportsmanship.

One of the aims of the project is to promote girls’ football in the community. An after-school girls’ football club runs every Friday evening and has generated plenty of interest.

Headteacher Julie Campbell said: “We were delighted to be chosen by the FA as one of the first schools to have a mini-pitch.

“It will provide us with a playing surface that can be used all year round and will enhance our PE and sports curriculum.”

The pitch will be used regularly for physical education and plans are already in place to create various leagues and tournaments for the pupils to participate in throughout the year.

As well as being an addition to the school grounds, the mini-pitch will also be an asset to the wider community as it is available for hire at evenings and weekends.

The pitch is floodlit and the facility has changing facilities. All enquires should be made to school business manager Mrs Barnett at [email protected].