PLANS for £1 million of new sports facilities are on the way for Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, but they need the community’s help.

The school is hoping to fund raise the amount it needs for a 4G all-weather pitch and two brand new cricket squares, nets and tennis courts.

The aim is to raise funds with the help of parents and the school’s alumni.

AGSB's headmaster Graeme Wright said: "There can be a perception that AGSB is privately funded, or receives a level of funding above other state schools, but the reality is that as a state-funded grammar school, we actually lag behind a number of schools in terms of the annual funding that we receive from the government.

"Taking part in sport is so important for all the boys at the school for their physical development but, more importantly, for their mental well-being.

"Too often, during the winter months, our pitches are waterlogged, and PE lessons, training and fixtures have to be cancelled.

"These [new facilities] will inspire pupils of every ability, allow extended community use for clubs in the Altrincham area and take the school’s tradition of sporting excellence to a new level."

The school’s alumni include Paul Allott, who opened the bowling for Lancashire and England in the 1980s; Matty Lund, who has been playing football professionally for various clubs since 2009; Ali Crossdale, who plays professional rugby for Wasps and striker Douglas James-Taylor, who signed for Stoke City in 2020.

Current student Charlie Wardle was selected in the matchday squad for England Rugby Under 18s rugby versus France.

The school’s site said: "Pupils at every level will be able to take advantage of the facilities in school and after-school clubs, while community grass-roots sports clubs from across Altrincham and Trafford will be able to use the facilities in the evenings."

An information evening is being held for parents on May 4 and 18.