Pan’s new MUGA is opened by, front left, Jakob Beck, 13, with his dad, David, behind, and Kelly Gulliver, 13. Picture by PETER BOAM.
A NEW sports facility will provide a focal point for the community and offer young people in Pan a place to take part in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, netball and hockey.
Providing activities for youngsters has been top priority on Pan and the new multi-use games area, known as a MUGA (multi-use games area), has been created thanks to the work of the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership, the IW Council and members of the Pan community.
The MUGA, which officially opened on Thursday last week, is floodlit until 9pm on week nights and Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays, ensuring the site can be used during the evenings throughout the winter mon-ths.
It is the only open-access MUGA on the Island, with no booking or payment required.
The site is managed and maintained by Downside Middle School, which has priority use of the pitch within school hours during term-time.
Cllr Dawn Cousins, the council’s cabinet member for health, housing and community well being, said: “This is extremely beneficial to the local community.
“Pan lacks many play facilities and the new MUGA is somewhere for young people to take part in healthy, constructive activities.
“The variety of sports that can be played on the new pitch means there is something for everyone and I am sure it will be a great place for young people to make friends as well as improve their sporting skills.”
Peter Shaw, headteacher of Downside Middle School, said: “This is an excellent example of inter-agency working. This is a fantastic development for the community and one which all the young people here richly deserve.”
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk