VIDEO: World Cup referee Howard Webb opens new Bruntcliffe School pitches

Schools across the Morley area were invited to the opening of the new third generation (3G), all-weather, sports facility at Bruntcliffe School with World Cup final referee Howard Webb MBE.

Mr Webb started the day with a series of motivational talks with pupils from Bruntcliffe. The Rotherham United fan and former amateur footballer turned referee, said: “I’m living proof that amazing things happen to ordinary people.”

And he added that for budding sports professionals, the new 3G pitch will go a long way to helping them train to acheive their dreams.

The down-to-earth Mr Webb was an obvious choice for headteacher of Bruntcliffe School, Heather Scott, when organising the opening.

She said: “He was the only person who could really inspire the next generation of sports people.”

Mr Webb, who also oversaw the 2010 Champions League final, took charge of the junior schools football tournament to mark the opening.

And the kids were “loving the buzzing atmosphere” on the day said head of PE Heidi Fairbrother, who is looking forward to teaching her classes daily on the brand new ground – which is bigger than the pitch at Wembley Stadium.

She said: “The new pitch is amazing and all the kids are so excited about getting to play on it.”

Mr Webb was due to perform the official opening of the pitches as the Observer & Advertiser went to press yesterday afternoon.

But don’t miss next week’s paper for a special souvenir picture special recording the events of the day, including action shots from the day’s matches - including the closely-fought tournament final between Morley Victoria Primary and Westerton Primary.