MP tries out Sudbury’s new 3G all-weather football pitch

James Cartlidge tries out new Sudbury 3G pitch (Image: Archant)

The ‘third generation’ (3G) pitch at Ryman League club AFC Sudbury cost £350,000 to install but is already proving invaluable.

Created using synthetic fibres and rubber to look, feel and react like grass, the pitch took nine weeks to complete and made the club the first in Suffolk to use a 3G surface on its main pitch.

Due to ongoing problems with waterlogging, the old pitch could only be used around twice a week and some matches had to be cancelled.

Last week, South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge visited the club’s Wardale Williams Stadium to view the new facilities, meet AFC Sudbury Football Academy students and watch one of their training programmes.

James Cartlidge with AFC Sudbury students at the club (Image: Archant)

A keen sportsman, Mr Cartlidge said he “couldn’t resist” the chance to try out the new 3G pitch, which was installed after.

“I was very impressed with the facilities provided by AFC Sudbury,” he said.

“The modern club house, changing rooms, academy building and public facilities all complimented by the fantastic new 3G all weather stadium pitch, must be some of the best in non-league football.”

The club’s football academy is aimed at 16 to 18 year olds with a high standard of football ability who want to continue their academic studies or obtain qualifications to allow them to pursue a career in the sports industry.

Mr Cartlidge added: “Having seen the academy in action, I was impressed that the club not only provides high quality football coaching but also places as much emphasis on the students’ education to ensure that they all have the opportunity to move on to university, or have the qualifications that will enable them to work in the sports industry at the end of their three year course.”