Millwall Community Trust and Fisher FC welcomed Southwark Council and a host of guests along to St Paul’s Sports Ground, Rotherhithe for the opening of the new pitch.
MCT have managed the site for the last nine years since becoming the leaseholders in 2016 - and will now continue the work at St Paul’s until 2029 - with the aim of Fisher FC taking over with MCT being a user of the site.
The facility, which underwent a £1m investment programme in 2014 has had a brand new 5G pitch installed.
In attendance at the official opening was Councillor Portia Mwangangye who cut the ribbon alongside Millwall FC first-team players Jake Cooper and Ryan Leonard as well as Millwall Lionesses defenders Ellie Manning and Olivia Coldrick.
Bacons College had a showcase tournament on one half of the pitch whilst a local community school played matches on the other side.
Following the ribbon being cut, the four players and Dave Palmer from PFA had a Q&A with the children and had photographs.
Finally, MCT CEO Sean Daly and Fisher FC’s Jim Maycock delivered presentations to the councillors and guests on the collaborative work between the two organisations and in the community.
MCT CEO Sean Daly said: “I’m delighted with the new pitch at St Paul’s and it was a pleasure to host councillors and guests for the official opening.
“We will be looking to build on the work we are already doing in Southwark and believe that St Paul’s Sports Ground will continue to be a tremendous asset for the local community.
"It's a key aim of Millwall Community Trust to provide local people with access to top quality facilities in a safe and positive environment.
“We will work in partnership with local schools and organisations to deliver football and active health programmes.
“Thank you so much to Councillor Portia Mwangangye for coming down and another huge thank you to all four players from Millwall FC and Millwall Lionesses.
“We are also proud to continue to work with Fisher FC and keep supporting their development for the eventual handover of the facility.”
