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New £120,000 sports area opened

09 November 2007

Opening of the multi-use floodlit games facilities at the Maltings Meadow.
Opening of the multi-use floodlit games facilities at the Maltings Meadow.
NEW £120,000 multi-use floodlit games facilities were officially opened at Ditchingham on Friday evening.

They have been provided as the latest project in the development of the Maltings Meadow Sports Ground by the Bungay and District Sports Association, and were praised by Ipswich Town's education officer Sammy Morgan, who cut the ribbon to declare them open.

The former Northern Ireland international who was also on Norwich City's staff brought good wishes from both clubs, and said: “Since I finished playing I have been involved in youth development for 27 years, and at this level it is the huge reward of what you get out of them.

“At senior level you get into finance and politics, but with the youngsters there is a naivity and honesty. But kids need facilities on which to play, and here the facilities are first class.

“I am sure it is only a start and it will mushroom. On behalf of Ipswich Town congratulations, and maybe Jim Magilton will bring a team up here in the future.

Bungay Town, affiliated to the BDSA, now runs over 20 junior teams as well as senior and girls' teams and they are already using the artificial turf area for training. Bungay Tennis Club has also now made it their headquarters, and young players from both clubs staged demonstrations games for the opening.

Sammy Morgan was welcomed by BDSA chairman Jon Fuller. The reception guests included representatives of the affiliated clubs and of those providing grants towards the cost. Floodlights for the main football pitch at the ground should be completed in the next week.

Mr Fuller said: “At long last local sports people have something to shout about. This artificial grass sports area is great for football and tennis at any level. I am extremely grateful for the financial support of every funder who gave money to this project and I am certain that it will prove to be money well spent.

“I would like to thank Sammy Morgan and the coaches of the Ipswich Development Centre for giving up their Friday evening to open our new multi-use games area.

Opening of the multi-use floodlit games facilities at the Maltings Meadow, members of the sports club committee.
Opening of the multi-use floodlit games facilities at the Maltings Meadow, members of the sports club committee.
Special praise should go to Paddy Linfield for organising the smooth running of the evening's football demonstration.”

The facilities have bene made possible thanks to funding from Sport England, Biffaward, the Football Foundation, WREN, Bungay Town Council, Bungay Community Fund, South Norfolk District Council, Ditchingham Parish Council, Bungay Golf Club Captain's Charity, Bungay Rotary Club and the Joe Deacon Memorial Fund.

The new floodlights on the main football pitch at the Maltings Meadow at Ditchingham will come into use on Wednesday.

Bungay Town U18 will play a Ridgeons Junior Floodlit League game that evening, kicking off at 7.45pm.