Million pound FIFA-standard Football Pitch officially opened at Glyn School

Investment from Premier League, FA and Football Foundation creates new state-of-the-art sports facility for local community

Staff and students at Glyn School in Ewell are celebrating the official opening of a new state-of-the-art FIFA-standard 3G (Third Generation) football pitch and pavilion, which together cost over a million pounds to build. 

The Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation provided just over half of the total funding of over a million pounds required to build the pitch and a new pavilion with modern changing rooms, club room, classroom and viewing area. Additional funding was provided by Epsom & Ewell Council, Your Fund Surrey (Surrey County Council), and the Epsom & Ewell Colts.  

The new pitch and facilities will be used by Glyn School, other GLF schools, Epsom & Ewell Colts FC, as well as the whole local community.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council played a key role with its Playing Pitch Strategy and Corporate Plan, clearly identifying the need for this kind of sports facility. One that promotes healthy lifestyles, expands participation in sport, and meets the needs of a growing population.

With more than 1,800 students at Glyn, and around 5000 more in other GLF schools, the new facilities will make a remarkable difference to daily school life, but also to the whole community. 

The partnership with Epsom & Ewell Colts FC means the pitch will become a true hub for grassroots football, supporting over 1,200 players across 82 teams, including 30 girls’ and women’s teams and providing training facilities for children.  

With support from the GLF Schools Foundation, the pitch will expand access to disadvantaged groups, disabled players and young people who have historically been underrepresented in sport. This aligns closely with both borough priorities and national objectives for community wellbeing.

The opening ceremony marks an achievement that represents years of collaboration, ambition and commitment to expanding sporting opportunities for young people and for the borough as a whole.

The official opening took place last Wednesday with GLF Schools’ Interim CEO James Nicholson making a speech and the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Cllr. Robert Leach, cutting the ribbon. Also joining the guests at the grand opening were Liz Pill from the Football Foundation and Rosanne Fine from Surrey Football Association. Visitors and guests then watched players using the new pitch and toured the new pavilion and facilities.  

Jo Garrod, Headteacher, Glyn School, said: “This new pitch and pavilion are a fantastic addition to the sports facilities at our school and will be a huge benefit to all our students. We’re extremely grateful to the Football Foundation for the funding and investment and delighted that they have made such a significant contribution to improve the quality of sports facilities for everyone in the community.” 

James Nicholson, Interim CEO, GLF Schools, said: “The range of sports and activities we offer at GLF Schools is central to the educational experience for all students. Having the latest modern facilities is key to giving every student the best opportunities to reach their full potential and enjoy their time with us. I’d like to thank The Football Foundation, whose major grant made this development possible, Epsom & Ewell Council, Your Fund Surrey (Surrey County Council), and the Epsom & Ewell Colts, who also supported this project with substantial financial contributions. As well as Surrey FA for their strategic guidance and endorsement, and all the consultants in design, fundraising, planning, and project management who worked so hard to build such an impressive pitch and pavilion.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive, Football Foundation, said: 

“The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. We’re delighted that the local community in Epsom and Ewell will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Glyn School.” 

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell, said: "The opening of this new pitch and pavilion at Glyn School is a real milestone for Ewell and the wider borough. It gives young people and local clubs a first-class space to train, play, and grow - and it strengthens the role that sport can play in building confidence and aspiration, as well as the improvements it can bring to both physical and mental health. I’m delighted to see this project completed and look forward to visiting soon."