A WANDERERS legend officially opened a new third generation artificial grass pitch at a Bolton school.

Former striker Kevin Davies, affectionately known as Super Kev, mixed with fans at Ladybridge High School during the event.

The pitch, provided by Bolton Council thanks to a grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, replaced a natural grass surface. The school will now be able to offer evening usage for local community groups and sports teams due to the installation of new floodlights.

The project was funded by a grant of £143,302 from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund, which is delivered by the Football Foundation. Bolton Council also made an investment of £400,000 from its capital budget.

Kevin said: “Having enjoyed some of the best years of my career at Bolton, it is fantastic to see the local area benefitting from first class facilities like this one at Ladybridge High School. With Bolton Community Trust using this 3G pitch to deliver Premier League Kicks sessions, you never know, it might help to unearth the next star who could help take us back to the Premier League!

“Huge credit must go to the Premier League, FA and Government for investing in projects like this and giving kids the best opportunity to develop their skills on better playing surfaces. They have supported over £32m worth of community sports projects across Manchester like this one, and this is set to continue in the future.

“I would also like to commend Bolton Council for investing in new sports facilities across the borough and actively encouraging more people to participate in grassroots sport. I believe that projects like this can only have a positive impact on football in this part of Bolton.”

John Byrne, Executive Cabinet Member for Culture in Bolton, said: “This pitch will provide a high quality, modern facility which can be used all year round, in any weather.

“The joint investment from the council and the Football Foundation into this state of the art pitch will benefit the whole community. We have invested in a number of 3G pitches across the borough which we hope will encourage more people to play sports, particularly at a grassroots level.”

John Byrne, Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “This pitch will provide a high quality, modern facility which can be used all year round, in any weather. The joint investment from the council and the Football Foundation into this state of the art pitch will benefit the whole community. We have invested in a number of 3G pitches across the borough which we hope will encourage more people to play sports, particularly at a grassroots level.”