The grounds team from Fleetwood Town recently visited East Pines Park to check on the health of the pitch, and to see how Cllr Paul Galley and his team of volunteers have been getting on over the last few months.
The football pitch has been in use throughout lockdown and recent months, however it was somewhat overgrown, so the grounds team have worked their magic, and it’s looking tip top once again.
Anchorsholme ward is one of the only local wards not to receive any recent reports of anti-social behaviour, and Paul puts it down the park and pitch being open, providing youngsters in the area with something to do.
“We are so grateful to the continued support of Fleetwood Town FC in helping rebuild our football pitch, which because of the summer Covid restrictions on volunteering, had become overgrown,” said Paul.
“Now with the help of the Fleetwood grounds team, the pitch looks great again and we have two designated volunteers to look after it. This has allowed people of all ages to enjoy their football in the park again, and most of all, give everyone hope that during these difficult times we will get through this and continue the Football coaching if not this year definitely next year.
“Without Fleetwood Town and their support, I truly don't know where we would be, they are like a family to us and I'm truly grateful for their kindness during these difficult times.”
Andy Pilley, Chairman and owner of Fleetwood Town, said:
“East Pines Park will always be close to my heart. My friends and I spent many happy hours there as youngsters, and football now plays an even bigger part in my life than it did back then, so it's so great to see our partnership with Paul Galley and the team of volunteers go from strength to strength.
“In these worrying times, people of all ages need to take care of their physical and mental health, so I'm delighted Fleetwood Town can help maintain the park for everyone's enjoyment.”
"We've forged a strong friendship with Paul and the team at East Pines, said Fleetwood Town's Head Groundsman, Nick Hyndman, who recently celebrated his ten-year anniversary at the club.
"Myself and the team love the opportunity to support community projects, and we have seen the pitch there go from an overgrown and uneven patch of grass into an area people of all ages can get involved in sport."
The football pitch at East Pines Park in Anchorsholme was in desperate need of a revamp, and having fond memories of the park from his childhood, Fleetwood Town Chairman Andy Pilley stepped in to help. This was almost two years ago, and the grounds team have been maintaining the pitch ever since. Last year, the Club kindly donated a line machine, and after teaching Paul Galley and the team how to use it, members of the community with special needs now mark the pitches, and it’s something they love doing.