Roundwood Park School and Harpenden Colts FC have been given the green light on a grant to support the construction of an ultra-modern football pitch.

The school’s successful application to the Football Foundation has meant the bulk of the cost for the new Roundwood Park Community Pitch will be shouldered by the sporting charity.

Headteacher Alan Henshall said: “We are delighted in this time of austerity to receive such a significant investment from the Football Foundation.”

Roundwood Park School and Harpenden Colts will also be making sizeable donations to facilitate the building work.

The school now needs to raise a further £200,000 to see the fully-sized, artificially-turfed, floodlit pitch come to fruition.

In a bid to raise funds, Roundwood Park have put together a scheme which allows potential donors to pave the way for future generations of young athletes.

The Harpenden academy is creating a paved pathway and viewing area, which will be engraved with messages from the community.

Individuals, families and businesses can create a permanent legacy of support for the club, the school and community and secure a personalised paving stone through their donation.

Those wishing to give can even opt to make a Gift Aid donation which adds a value of 25 per cent to their contribution.

Gifting a paving-stone, or purchasing a gift certificate are also options.

Harpenden Colts claim the benefits of the state-of-the-art sporting facility will be felt throughout Harpenden, with chairman Ian Holding saying: “This will transform the provision of sport in Harpenden, creating opportunities for all ages to get active throughout the year whatever the weather.”

Construction of the pitch is due to begin before Christmas, with a view to it being ready for use by the school, Colts and the wider community by Easter 2018.

Chair of Governors Moira Hart said: “We are sure that it will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of many students in our school.

“Now it is all about stepping up and participating in raising money for this exciting project.’

For those wishing to donate visit www.rpcp.co.uk