HARRY Redknapp officially opened the state-of-the art 3G football pitch at Slades Park.

The FIFA standard, floodlit pitch will be used by Glenmoor & Winton Academy, Bournemouth University and members of the public.

Speaking after the opening, Harry said: “It’s all important giving people good facilities. For me, not enough money is fed down from the top level in professional football to grassroots football.

“We need more facilities where people can play. Some of the pitches I go to watch the kids play on, they’re not good enough, they’re awful in fact. To have a facility like this is brilliant. Somewhere they can come and play. It’s usable all year round. It gives such a benefit to the community. It’s unbelievable really.”

The pitch was funded by Active Dorset, Glenmoor & Winton Academy, the Football Foundation and the Talbot Village Trust and cost approximately £640,000.

“It’s somewhere kids can go and improve their skills, but most importantly enjoy playing, that’s what it’s about,” Harry continued.

“You’re not going to suddenly produce a million Premier League footballers, it’s a facility for people to enjoy playing. It’s not all important that they’re going to be superstars or anything else.

“I’m delighted (to open the pitch). I’ve been over Slades Farm hundreds of times over the years watching my own kids play. Jamie played here when he was growing up, before he became a player and went to Liverpool.

“You make friends playing football. Even at the age of six, seven, eight or nine, they’ll probably be your friends for the rest of your life.

“Sport is a great way for kids to spend their time and to have a facility like this is absolutely amazing.”

Principle of Glenmoor & Winton Academy, Stuart Ingram, said the new pitch was a really positive thing for the pupils of the school and also people in the community.

“We want to offer a fantastic school to everybody regardless of whether they come from a high income family or not,” he said.

“We’ve been doing well academically, but also now we have great facilities, last week I came out here and watched three national cup games.

“It’s a really positive thing for, not only the students who attend the school, but there will also be an opportunity for other people to use it as well.”