New 3G pitch opens at Kettering Buccleuch Academy to boost grassroots sport
Last week, there was excitement at Kettering Buccleuch Academy as the school’s brand new state-of-the-art 3G pitch was officially opened.
To celebrate the opening, Rosie Wrighting, MP for Kettering, and Ben Jameson, Mayor of Kettering, both attended alongside Interim Principal Richard Shaw. The new pitch is thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
After netting a £401,118k grant from the Football Foundation, work began on the site in June 2025. This has replaced the original astro pitch that has been in place since the school opened.
The site will be used by students of the academy, the local community and partner clubs Weekley Rovers and Kettering FC.
Richard Shaw, Interim Principal at Kettering Buccleuch Academy, said: “I would like to express huge gratitude to the Football Foundation for their support and funding. Thank you also to Rosie and Ben for joining us today for the official opening. We are looking forward to seeing the facility being used to its full potential over the coming years.”
Robert Sullivan, 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.
“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.
“We’re delighted that the local community in Kettering will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities.”