06/10/2026
Green-light for FIFA-quality 3G facility refurbishment at King James I Academy!
King James I Academy are delighted to announce that its 3G facility is set for a comprehensive refurbishment programme, with a FIFA-quality surface set to be installed later this year!
With new goals & new lighting planned, the proposed refurbishment project marks an exciting time for the Academy, with the Football Foundation & Eden Learning Trust spearheading the development.
Jake Pearson, Community Manager of King James I Academy, said, “We strive to provide the best possible facilities to our students & community-users, and we believe that this project supports this statement of intent. To have a refreshed 3G facility, with a high-quality FIFA-accredited & WorldRugby 22 compliant surface, will further strengthen our mission to be the primary facility-provider of sports-based clubs within Bishop Auckland.”
“We would like to place on record our gratitude to the Football Foundation, Eden Learning Trust & our fantastic customers for their collaboration on this project, and we are very much looking forward to the new 3G opening date.”
Delivered by Cleveland Land Services/Lano Sports and with works planned for an early November start, the new 3G surface will compromise of 9v9, 7v7 & 5v5 football-pitch markings within a full-size 11v11 pitch. In addition, a new custom-designed shock-pad will be installed beneath the new carpet, ensuring that the facility will also be suitable for full-contact rugby training.
In addition, the Academy also pledged its commitment to the continuous improvement of its multitude of grass-pitches on the premises.
Jake added - “Coinciding with the 3G refurbishment project & marking four years since our collaboration on a tailored grass-pitch improvement programme with the Durham County FA and the Football Foundation, we continue to satisfy an increase in grassroots demand by increasing our junior multi-game format offerings across our grass-pitches. We believe this to be a very important development in order to continue to facilitate a wide-range of teams as they progress through their age-groups during their time with us”.
“In addition, we also pledge our investment into our wider multi-sport facilities within the short-term, with plans in place to enhance our cricket & netball provision within both our Sports Hall & outdoor netball court in the near future.”
To read more news, request a tour of King James I Academy or apply for a Year 7/Sixth Form place in September 2027, please visit - http://kingjames1academy.co.uk/
To find out more information on the clubs based at King James I Community, including Bishop Auckland Girls FC, AJX Juniors & Shildon AFC Youth, please visit - http://kingjames1academy.co.uk/academylife/community/
