Wardle 'field of dreams' football pitch completed

The new pitch at Rutherford Park

Players of Wardle FC will soon be able to hone their skills on a long-awaited pitch extension at their ground Rutherford Park which has finally been completed.

The pitch was built with funds provided by Prospect GB and Persimmon Homes, which were granted back in 2018, after a long delay since 2015, when issues prevented Rochdale Borough Council from signing off on the £195,000 project.
 

Read more: Football club’s ‘field of dreams’ from developer cashPublished: 22 December 2018

The pitch has been through a long eight-year process to get permission, funding and finally, to be built but it cannot be used for the first time until 2021, until the grass and drains are able to settle.

Ashley Dearnley, Councillor for Wardle and West Littleborough, said: "We’re especially proud about this great opportunity for young people throughout the area."

Wardle FC chairman Rik Fielding echoed this sentiment, saying: "We’re over the moon and the effort has been immense. We are very proud of the work that’s been carried out by Rochdale Council, it’s been a long time in the making.

"Without the support of Councillor Ashley Dearnley, I don’t think we would be counting the days down to seeing our adult first team grace this pitch."