Labour ward councillors have welcomed the opening of a £1m state-of-the-art all weather football pitch at Crossford Bridge, Sale.

The new facility is open for use to everyone including those who are unrepresented in sport, such as women, girls, disabled groups and ethnically diverse communities.

The funding was part of a successful bid submitted by Trafford Council to the Football Foundation.

Trafford Labour’s corporate priorities include providing culture, sport and heritage for everyone, and giving children the best start, meaning this project links directly back to those ambitions.

The 3G pitch, which is more favourable than artificial grass, was officially opened on Thursday by Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Cath Hynes, other senior representatives from Trafford Council and the Football Foundation.

Local school children were also invited to kick-start the launch.

Sale Central ward Cllrs, Barry Brotherton, Eve Parker, and Zak Deakin are delighted with the new facilities which also include pathway improvements and a bike shelter.

Cllr Brotherton said: “We are delighted the new pitch is now fully open. It will make a huge difference to the community and contribute significantly towards encouraging more people to realise the benefits of physical health and wellbeing.

“Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this project – it will make a fantastic community asset.”

Trafford Council, who contributed an additional £325k towards the scheme – worked in unison with the Football Foundation, local county FA’s and Crossford Bridge Management Association to develop the proposal.