Priory will have a brand new state-of-the-art FA-accredited 3G pitch by August.

With contractors making a start this week, the current 3G pitch, along with the fencing, will be ripped up and it will be replaced by a £650,000 rebuild which conforms to all FA standards.

The majority of it is funded by the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation while the school will contribute £220,000 towards it, which also includes a complete refurbishment of the boys and girls PE changing rooms and the addition of two referee changing rooms.

Assistant Principal Mr Gee said: “The current fencing is 22 years old, with the 3G carpet replaced 12 years ago and this generally only has a shelf life of 10 years. You can see the wear and tear on it.

“The funding has been awarded to enable us to meet growing community demand. This will ensure we have some of the best school football facilities in Lancashire.

“It will transform grassroots football in South Ribble, with the new excellent facilities, and help the massive increase in girls football as well in the area. It’s already fully booked and we can use it all year around so it’s a big asset to the community. It will be brilliant when it’s completed.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

“This grant award to Penwortham Priory Academy towards developing top of the range 3G facilities is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”