Councillor Michael McCormick, Robert McVitie and Stewart Burns from Inverclyde Leisure, and Councillor Jim Clocherty at the new 3G pitch at Lady Octavia Sports Centre in Greenock.

Sports fans will be having a ball at a Greenock outdoor sports facility thanks to improvements worth nearly £200,000.

A new 3G pitch has been installed at Lady Octavia Sports Centre following investment by Inverclyde Council.

The surface meets quality standards set out by world football governing body FIFA and comes complete with a brand new set of 11-a-side goals.

The total cost of the project was £192,000 with the sports centre and outdoor pitches managed by Inverclyde Leisure.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council and convener of education and communities, said:

“The investment in the pitch and sports centre here at Lady Octavia highlights our ongoing commitment to sport and leisure to provide first-class facilities right across Inverclyde.

“We have incredible outdoor and indoor facilities but it’s important to maintain high standards and that’s why we’re continuing to invest, along with our partners Inverclyde Leisure, in sites like Lady Octavia.

“The new surface and 11-a-side goals I’m sure will be much appreciated by the many teams and individuals who play here.”

Almost £1.2 million has been spent this year alone on 3G pitches at Inverclyde Academy, Parklea in Port Glasgow and Wemyss Bay Primary, as well as Lady Octavia.

Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, Inverclyde’s sports champion, said:

“We all know how important it is to maintain an active lifestyle for the benefit of physical and mental health.

“Continued investment in our leisure sites, including here at Lady Octavia, ensures residents all over Inverclyde have high-quality facilities that are easy to access and where they can enjoy exercising whether that’s with a game of football or other sports that can be played on 3G pitches all year round.”

Robert McVitie, Inverclyde Leisure operations manager, said:

“In partnership with Inverclyde Council, we are delighted to welcome another upgrade across our football estate.

“The pitch is now FIFA quality performance requirements approved.

“This will be a welcomed addition at Lady Octavia to help serve the community of Inverclyde.

“The facilities are well used by local grassroots football team as well as the wider community for recreational football.”

For booking enquiries for Lady Octavia and other outdoor pitches in Inverclyde, including school lets, phone 01475 213131 or email bookingoffice@inverclydeleisure.com.