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The multi purpose pitch with synthetic grass surface has a wooden perimeter rebound fence with built in goals, basketball boards and centre posts for nets making it suitable for football, volleyball, basketball and tennis.

Originally a vacant grass area, the pitch was developed through a £90,000 investment, with £65,000 from Craigavon Borough Council and £25,000 from the Irish Football Association through the UEFA’s Hat-Trick Assistance Programme.

“It’s a fabulous family facility,” says Chairman of Leisure Services Committee Councillor Dolores Kelly MLA, “and will provide a great opportunity for not only young people but also adults to participate in sport.  The work and the idea behind this pitch reflects our commitment and drive to help our residents achieve a healthier lifestyle.”

IFA President Raymond Kennedy added: “I would just like to thank everyone involved in this project for all their hard work.  This is a superb facility and I’m sure all the budding young sports stars in the area will have loads of fun using it. 

“Sport is about encouraging communities to come together and also about promoting a healthy lifestyle and this excellent facility will help do both these things.

“The Irish Football Association, through UEFA is delighted to have been able to support this project."

The idea for the pitch was raised in 2006 and it has taken considerable work by officers from the Council for it to come to realisation.

“Credit must be given to leisure development who were the brains behind this development,” said Councillor Kelly, “given that they had to apply for both finance and grant aid, planning permission and then project manage the pitch itself – albeit within the grounds of a busy leisure centre.”

The multi purpose play area is available for public hire at £20 per hour to hire or £15 if concessions apply.  Lights are a further £5 per hour.