A NEW all-weather 3G football pitch has been opened on Green Dragon Lane estate in Brentford.

The new Cruyff Court is a joint venture between Hounslow Council and the Johan Cruyff Foundation and supported by the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.

Children will be able to organise their own matches on the pitch, which will also be used for coaching sessions provided by the Community Sports Trust.

The new pitch was officially opened by the Mayor of Hounslow, Bishnu Gurung, Simon Wood of the Cruyff Foundation and Brentford FC ambassador, Marcus Gayle.

The official opening day also included a football tournament organised by the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, DJs, a talent competition, face painting, food and drink and a local dance group and steel band.

Mayor of Hounslow, Bishnu Gurung, said: "Football is a national passion and following the recent EURO 2020 and Brentford's return to the top-flight, we hope to encourage local children to put their trainers on and become more active.

"Brentford Community Stadium will also host matches at next summer's UEFA Women's EURO 2022, creating positive role models for boys and girls, inspiring them to keep active and healthy.

"Unfortunately, not everyone can easily take part in sports, so this new facility provides a safe place for people to play outside – and I want it to become a space where users learn the importance of togetherness, making friends, discovering their own talents, and winning and losing."

Niels Meijer, director of the Johan Cruyff Foundation commented: "With this Cruyff Court space is created for children and youth.

"Space to sport and play. Space to grow. Space to make friends.

"Space to be active and improve physical and mental health.

"Nowadays this is more important than ever.

"We want to thank players of the People's Postcode Lottery who co-fund important projects like this."

Luke Skelhorn, Operations Director, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust said: "The new Cruyff Court is a fantastic facility for the residents of Brentford Towers and the wider community.

"The children, young people and families we engage with throughout the year via Trust projects such as Hounslow Street Sports and the Youth Service will benefit from the development, ensuring that they have access to a new outdoor space for play and recreation in the heart of their community."