Aerial shots of a new £1m all-weather pitch unveiled at a Harborough school

A fantastic new all-weather pitch unveiled at a Market Harborough secondary school is beautifully showcased by these amazing aerial shots.

The stunning floodlit state-of-the-art sporting facility at Robert Smyth Academy on Burnmill Road has cost almost £1 million.

And thrilled headteacher Dan Cleary says the cutting-edge pitch is worth every penny and more as it’s an “absolute gamechanger” for students in Market Harborough and throughout South Leicestershire.

"We are proud and delighted to be able to offer students and the wider community this fantastic facility.

“The all-weather pitch is a once-in-a-generation project which will improve the lives of people in Harborough and the surrounding villages for many years and decades ahead.

“Whilst this pitch will allow us to generate even more county and national standard sporting talents from amongst our gifted school community, it is not about exclusivity.

“This project is as much a reflection of our commitment to the mental wellbeing of young people as anything else,” Dan told the Harborough Mail.

“We recognise that good physical health and good mental health are inextricably linked.

“And our clear vision is that this pitch will inspire and encourage participation in all sports for all people.

“I would like to express my delight for our partnership with Market Harborough Hockey Club – which has played a pivotal part in the development of this project,” said Dan, the principal at the leading l,000-pupil school.

“In the end, this shows what communities can do when we come together.

“If you could bottle the smiles on the faces of our students who have seen this pitch for the first time, then you would have lightning in a bottle.

“And for all our children who have missed so much in the last 12 months, this pitch provides another hallmark of hope for much brighter days ahead.”

Robert Smyth school has worked alongside Sport England to create the high-tech cross-sport asset.

“We are really excited - this project is an absolute gamechanger for kids in Market Harborough and beyond as well as for the entire community.”

“This facility is the best in class locally and totally unrivalled in Market Harborough.

“Our goal is simple - we are becoming a centre of excellence for the whole East Midlands,” stressed proud Dan.

“Over the years we have produced so many kids who are carving out professional careers in elite sports like football, hockey, cricket, rugby, netball, martial arts and others.

“This new all-weather pitch will give our students the experience they deserve and the chance to let their gifts and talents blossom and flourish.

“And it’s certainly not the end of our ambitions stretching ahead down the line,” insisted dad-of-two Dan.

“This is just another decisive milestone on the path to turning Robert Smyth into a genuine centre of excellence – both sportingly and academically.”