Sports hub for March is Estover CIC’s goal

A Community Interest Company (CIC) is calling on townspeople to get behind a major sporting project to help create a sports hub.

Estover CIC is embarking on an application for a Football Foundation grant, which would provide up to 70% funding towards providing a 3G pitch at the playing field off Estover Road in March.

However, in order for the project to succeed, Estover CIC needs to raise at least £250,000 towards the cost.

Katie Critchley, of Cambridgeshire FA, has highlighted the project, which is set to cost around £1million in total and said they are working with the town’s football clubs, March Town Council, and the county FA as well as with MP Steve Barclay, to ensure the town gets a much-needed sports hub.

She said fundraising events will be held over the coming months to help raise the necessary match-funding help make the dream of a sports hub a reality.

Katie said: “Everyone’s been pulling together as a team to make sure March gets the sports hub, that it desperately needs.”

Mr Barclay said: “The 3G football pitch at Estover is starting to become a reality with the activation of the Football Foundation grant. This is a major step forward as it will provide 70% of the funding for the 3G pitch.

“Following the new £1.1 million 3G pitch opened last November at Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre, and the recent new 3G football installed at Leverington where the £400,000 upgrade to the changing rooms is now under construction, improving the playing facilities at Estover is an important next step in raising the quality of sports facilities across Fenland.

“New 3G pitches make a huge difference for those playing football matches. It allows many more hours of use without turning the pitch to mud, helps improve players technique and development, and provides a true surface to play on so matches are more enjoyable.

“These schemes would not happen without the amazing support Fenland receives from Katie Critchley at the Cambs FA, and the tireless work of fantastic volunteers at our local sports clubs who give their time and help raise the remaining funding required.

“Whittlesey also needs a new 3G football pitch, and I look forward to supporting efforts on this moving forward.”