Cherry Orchard Primary School celebrates new sports pitch

Children at Cherry Orchard Primary School in Charlton have celebrated the launch of a brand-new sports pitch in the school’s grounds. 

Published: 04/12/2025

The ball court, which is complete with artificial grass, goals and hoops, will also be used by community groups outside of school hours - providing a dedicated space for more people in the neighbourhood to get active.  

We helped fund the pitch alongside Greenwich Council, Cherry Orchard Primary School and a Go Fund me Crowdfunding campaign. 

At the pitch opening celebration, pupils and teachers were joined by The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Linda Bird, Councillor for Charlton Hornfair, Lakshan Saldin, and Peabody representatives. 

Excitement buzzed through the crowd as everyone gathered in the playground for the official unveiling of the ball court. The kids joined in with a lively countdown before Cllr Bird cut the ribbon with a special pair of golden scissors. 

Speaking at the event, Cllr Bird said: “Thank you all for inviting me here. This is so special. I’m so excited because this pitch is a lovely space where you can play, get your skills going, meet your friends and really let rip.  

“I want to thank Peabody for supporting the project. Without you, a lot of work in Charlton wouldn’t happen.”  

Representatives from each year group were the first to try out the pitch, with councillors and school leaders also joining in with a friendly kickabout.  

The new court will be used for a variety of sports including basketball, netball, football, rounders and cricket, and provide a welcome space for after school clubs. 

It will also be used by community organisations putting  on activities for the wider community. This include XLP, a charity which runs youth clubs and outreach work, such as bringing minibus full of activities and videogames to the neighbourhood. It also includes Charlton Athletic Community Trust which runs football clubs for young people. The CACT sessions at Cherry Orchard Primary School are funded by us.  

Children and young people taking part in our summer programme during school holidays will also be able to take part in activities on the court.  

The school’s old pitch was funded by the National Lottery back in 2012 and served as a space for the school’s pupils and the wider community to use.  

After more than a decade of use, it was deemed no longer fit for purpose and was temporarily closed while plans were made for a new, upgraded space. 

Sey Hassan, Head of School at Cherry Orchard Primary School, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to our school community and the wider community who have all contributed to the project. The ball court means so much more than just sports and activities to our children. We’re excited to begin using our new and improved ball court.” 

Annette Dalrymple, from our Community Development and Programmes team, said: “We’re really pleased to support a space that will be used by the school and the wider community for years to come and make a real difference for local families. This new pitch will give pupils, Peabody residents, and local groups a fantastic place to play, come together, and stay active.”