Pupils and staff at a school near Cockermouth gathered with special guests to celebrate the official opening of a new multi-use sports facility.
Broughton Primary School, part of the Learning for Life Trust, was awarded £68,000 in Community Investment Funding from the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership to install a Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) in the school yard.
The previous asphalted area was no longer fit for delivering high-quality PE lessons, especially during the winter months.
As well as providing an outstanding facility for school activities, the MUGA will also be available for use by the wider local community.
Headteacher Anna Bewsher welcomed guests and talked about the importance of sport and physical activity for all-round well-being, confidence building and teamwork skills.
Chair of the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership, Mary Bradley, said: “We are so glad to be able to award funding to this incredibly important project that will benefit not only pupils at this school, but the wider community in Great Broughton and beyond.
"It’s a fabulous facility and we look forward to seeing young people and adults enjoying the benefits for many years to come.”
Laura Ivison and Chloe Henderson from Workington Reds Ladies Football Club and Cockermouth Cricket Club’s Youth Coach, John Gibson, spoke about the impact of sport for them and their communities, before cutting the ribbon to formerly declare the MUGA open.
Mrs Bewsher said: “The playground has been absolutely transformed and we’re delighted that the MUGA will make many outdoor activities so much more accessible, not only for our pupils, but also the wider community who will have access outside school hours for whatever sport or activity they wish to pursue.”
“As a village, Broughton has a proud sporting heritage stretching back to the 19th century, which includes county champions at rugby, football, netball, and crown green bowling.
"Local individuals and former school pupils have earned representation at district, county, England and GB level and as a school we are proud of the solid foundations we set for our young people.”
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