A SCHOOL'S new £600,000 artificial grass football pitch was opened by the new chairman of the FA today.

Pupils trained on the hi-tech synthetic field at Ark Academy, in Bridge Road, as David Bernstein, head of the Football Association, watched on and even joined in for a kick about.

He said: “Anyone who plays here must surely be inspired by the fantastic view of Wembley Stadium, the home of English football.

“It's a great privilege to view this stadium which has been funded by our investment with the Football Foundation.”

Delia Smith, heateacher of the secondary school, said: “It's a fantastic facility under the arch of Wembley Stadium. It's Ark under the arch.

“They've got one of the best facilities going.”

The foundation, which draws money from a variety of sources, pumped £229,136 into the project, with the rest coming as part of a Government grant through the recently axed Building Schools for the Future programme.

Coaches from Queens Park Rangers (QPR) were also at the event, training pupils as part of a scheme that will see them visit the grounds twice a week.

They will give a one-hour session each to boys and girls, teaching them skills and keeping a lookout for up-and-coming talent.

Michaela Johnson, 12, a Year 7 pupil at the school, has already had trials and been invited back to show off her skills a second time.

She said: “We used to play on concrete, so we like to play on grass. Ark Academy really care for the sports, so that's good because I like sports.

“I would like to be a professional footballer. QPR is a great team.”