A DENTON high school wants to make its offer even better by having a new sports pitch installed.
St Thomas More RC College, on Town Lane, has recently extended its dining area and had new classroom space built.
Now it wants to put in a synthetic surface, which will be floodlit and be available for hire by the community.
And headteacher Huw Brophy revealed work has already started on getting it – but a fundraising effort would also be needed.
He said: “Following our successful extension to the school dining room and the building of additional classroom space, we are now turning our attention to the provision of additional outdoor sporting facilities.
“It has always been a long-term ambition for the school to secure funding for the building of a full-size All-Weather Astroturf football/rugby/hockey pitch.
“I am very pleased to say that we are currently working with the FA and the Football Foundation at the early planning stage for the building of the new fully floodlit pitch which will also be able to be leased by local community groups.
“If we are successful in our bid, the FA and the Football Foundation will be able to fund much of the project but the school will also need to carry out a good deal of fundraising as we will be required to make a significant financial contribution to the bid.”
Mr Brophy also asked local community groups to get involved, especially those running women’s and girls’ football, as well as other variations.
He added: “The building of an Astroturf pitch will have huge benefits for both the school and the wider community.
“It is especially important that we hear from underrepresented sporting groups such as Minority Sports, Womens’/Girls’ Football, and Adapted and Disability Football.
“For the bid to be successful we need to make a good case that the pitch would be used regularly by a range of groups from the local community.
“We would also welcome contact from organisations and individuals who may be able to make contributions to the fundraising effort so that we can secure this facility for the school and local community.
“Please be aware that the planning for the project is currently only in its very early stages and there is a chance that we may not be successful, especially with the current financial landscape.
“But rest assured we will try our upmost to continue to upgrade our facilities for the benefit of your sons and daughters.”