A community sports pitch in Harpenden should be completed this season, according to Roundwood Park School.

Herts Advertiser: Roundwood Park's community pitch.Roundwood Park's community pitch. (Image: Archant)

The facility is a collaboration between Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Colts, the Football Foundation and Watford FC Community, and the plans have been endorsed by footballer Jamie Redknapp.

Former vice chairman of Arsenal David Dein, who has also viewed the plans, said: “I hope from it you will find the next Tony Adams, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney or Steven Gerrard to come through for the England team.”

The Football Foundation has provided the bulk of the funding, but the Harpenden Trust has also donated towards it.

Roundwood Park School head Alan Henshall said: “It has been worthwhile because of the fantastic facility we have got for our children and we are very grateful to the Football Association.

Herts Advertiser: Roundwood Park's community pitch.Roundwood Park's community pitch. (Image: Archant)

“We always wanted the very best facilities for our pupils and for them to have all the opportunities children of their age deserve, especially in Harpenden where there is not a huge amount for them to do.

“We also wanted something that could help them exercise and keep fit and promote a healthy lifestyle, as if you take part in sports as a teenager, you’re more likely to keep it up for the rest of your life.”

The pitch will be used for PE lessons as well as football, as many of the Roundwood Park students play with the Colts.

Harpenden Colts have cooperated with the project as it will provide a permanent training ground for them, as currently they have to use facilities as far-flung as Luton.

Mr Henshall said: “We wanted a first-class facility for our students and for the community.”

It is hoped the new facility will not only help the Colts by providing a training ground, but will also help other groups which use the school, as it will free up space in the school’s sports hall.

The school is still looking for donations for the pitch and are offering people who donate towards the pitch a paving stone engraved with their name or a message, which will be placed at the entrance to the pitch.

To donate, visit www.uniformeasy.com/rpcp or to book the pitch email lettings@roundwoodpark.co.uk or call 01582 714 019.