 Football legend and 1966 World Cup hero, Sir Geoff Hurst, has officially opened the synthetic turf football pitches and the BMX track at Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex in Christchurch. Before the ceremonies Two Riversmeet General Manager, Paul Rutter, told the history of the pitches to the crowd who had gathered. He explained that the area they were standing in had been a rubbish tip back in the 1970s and, after being used by Christchurch Football Club in the early 1980s, had lain unused until the 2000s when Christchurch Council consulted with young people about the facilities they would like to see. The wheelpark was the first facility to open in 2004 and that has now been joined by the state-of-the-art football pitches and the BMX track. Sir Geoff stepped up to cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the pitches saying: “It’s a pleasure to be involved in the opening of these pitches, which compare favourably with every other pitch I’ve seen. They really are Championship standard – the Cup Final could even be played here! “I travel around the country and I see how sporting facilities are being eroded. It’s so important that we have facilities for young people so that they can expend their energy in sport. To be associated with this opening is brilliant.” He then went on to cut a ribbon to open the BMX track adjacent to the pitches before taking the first penalty kick on the new pitches against AFC Bournemouth youth team goalkeeper Shane Murphy. The eager fans were then able to get his autograph and have their photo taken with the legend, who took time to talk to them. Later in the day local rising star Adam Lallana, Southampton FC and England under 21, came along to lend his support to the day. A range of activities had been planned by Two Riversmeet for people to try their skills on the new pitches, including an Under 15s’ Football Tournament and a Beat the Keeper competition provided by Clive Saunders Goalkeeping Academy. There was also an auction of sporting memorabilia and £640 was raised for the day’s charity, Sport Relief. |
