Scott Parker opens new 4G football pitch at Burnley College

The former England midfielder, who took charge of the Clarets earlier this summer, cut the ribbon on the college’s brand new 4G pitch at its £115m town-centre campus.

The pitch is available for use by the public as well as professional teams, with Burnley Women already using it for their training.

Scott Parker opening the new 4G pitch at Burnley College (Image: Peter McLean)

Parker said: “The facilities are really special to be honest. The whole college is an incredible place.

“What an environment to learn and improve in. Certainly, there will be many a time spent on this pitch – people enjoying themselves or learning. That’s really special.”

He added that having a facility like this in the heart of the town is an essential part of the future of sport and fitness in the area.

He said: “It’s probably the be all and end all in that sense. It’s an environment for people to come and enjoy themselves and be part of.

“In terms of growing and learning and becoming better people, the environment is key and certainly this is a large part of that.”

After cutting the ribbon, Parker was invited to tour the facilities at Fitness Evolution, the college’s onsite sport and fitness centre, where he experienced the -80°c cryotherapy chamber, explored the elite training gym, and saw an impromptu live performance from the performing arts students.

He also took part in a press conference organised by the advanced level media studies students and was questioned about the challenges he’s faced transitioning from player to manager, how he deals with the pressure of the job, and what his coaching philosophy is.

Scott Parker also took part in a press conference with media students (Image: Peter McLean)

Ashley Alderson, manager of Fitness Evolution, said: “We pride ourselves on the connections we have made within the sporting industry.

“To have someone of Scott’s stature honour us by opening our brand new facilities is fantastic.

“And what an experience for the students involved, many of whom only started earlier this week, to be able to come face to face with the manager of Burnley FC and to ask him the questions they want the answers to.

“We look forward to continuing to develop the strong relationship we have with the Clarets as we work together to ensure the people of Lancashire have access to the best sport and fitness facilities as well as the highest levels of training.”