Mayor Dave Hodgson officially cut the ribbon to open Mark Rutherford School’s new 3G all-weather floodlit football pitch on Saturday 16 November.
The opening was also attended by Bedford Park Rangers’ chairmen going back to 1968 and many players past and present.
The site will provide the facilities for Mark Rutherford School to enhance and develop its students’ sporting capabilities and provide a home for Bedford Park Rangers Youth FC whilst also working with local charities to develop sporting participation.
BAYS Sporting Facilities is a local charity that has worked in partnership with Mark Rutherford School to provide the new pitch.
“It has taken almost three years to take the original idea to the world class facility that we have today,” said BAYS director and chairman of Bedford Park Rangers, Andy Rounding.
“I’m delighted that we now have the opportunity to make this project work and see children and adults of all ages using the site for what it was designed for.”
The aim of the charity is to encourage increased participation in sport among children and adults in their local community.
BAYS sees the construction of the new facility is an example of what can be achieved through strong community links and an ambition and vision to give something back.
Mark Rutherford School’s acting headteacher, Kelli Foster said, “I would like to thank BAYS for their vision and determination to make this happen and Richard Millard, our retired Headteacher, for the many years of educating the young people of Bedford that has left us with a wonderful sporting legacy that will support the students of Mark Rutherford for many years to come.”
The facility is available for local groups and charities to use. And more information can be found here.
