Football has been given a kick in the right direction in Chesterfield with the opening of a state-of-the-art all-weather football pitch at the town's Queens Park Sports Centre. 

Spireites manager Lee Richardson, along with some of the players, were at the official opening of the Chesterfield Borough Council facility, which replaces the outdoor multi-use games area that closed in 2007.

It is the latest 3G artificial grass surface which is filled with rubber crumb to cushion joints and is the closest surface to actually playing on grass.

The new training facility, ideal for up to 6 a side games, is open for local community use, including ten hours a week free use by youth groups tackling anti-social behaviour.

From left to right:  Lloyd Kerry, Jamie Lowry,

Aaron Downes , Lee Richardson with Ben Dunning

of the Football Foundation

Cllr Keith Morgan, Lead Member for Healthy Communities and Leisure (pictured top right with Aaron Downes) said: "This is a terrific addition to the leisure facilities offered by Chesterfield Borough Council and gives local people access to a first class pitch to play and practise on.

"Our thanks go to all the partners who helped with the project, without their support and financial contribution this wouldn't have been possible."

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "I want to congratulate Chesterfield Borough Council, the Derbyshire County FA, the Community Safety Partnership and Viridor and all of the local stakeholders for their hard work and determination in developing Queen's Park Sports Centre."

"Sport is a great way to stay fit and healthy. This fantastic new sports site will ensure that many more people in Chesterfield have access to regular opportunities to play a range of sports in first-class facilities."

To book or for further information call Queens Park Sports Centre on 01246 345555.