A £750,000 project which has seen state-of-the-art 3G football pitches created in Clacton. 

Clacton Leisure Centre received the new playing surfaces, along with new fencing, lighting and an equipment store.

The pitches mean sports teams can play in all weathers. 

The Premier League, FA and Government’s Football Foundation provided almost £350,000 towards the project, and Essex County Council provided the rest of the sum.

Mick Barry, Tendring District Council cabinet member for leisure said the pitches felt high quality.

He said: “This new facility has a fantastic feel to it, and as a walking football player myself I know how important a decent playing surface is

“We have already had a lot of interest in the new 3G pitch, in particular from September when the football season starts up again, which is extremely positive.”

The new pitches replace the old playing surface which had reached the end of its lifespan.

Robert Sullivan, the 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.

He added: “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 towards improving the 3G pitches at Clacton Leisure Centre is great news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”