HUNDREDS of footballers have had to find alternative venues after problems with the pitch at the new £17 million Manor CE School.

Players from York six-a-side league – a league of 40 teams with a total of over 250 players – got in touch with The Press after being told that the pitch they have been waiting months to play on failed a health and safety inspection.

Community matches were due to start on the school’s all-weather pitch next week, but they may not now be able to be held until August.

Louise Johnston, Manor’s business manager, said: “Due to concerns expressed by the school over the quality of the installation of the all-weather pitch, Manor CE is disappointed to have to confirm that the pitch is not yet available for use by either the school or the local community. “The issues with the installation are not the fault of the school as the work was sub-contracted by the main contractor who built the school. All groups whose bookings are affected by this development have been informed.

“At the request of the school, Wates, the main contractor for the project, appointed an independent consultant to prepare a full report on the condition of the pitch. The school has been assured by Wates that the findings of the report will be addressed.”

Jon Sykes, secretary of the York six-a-side league, said he found out on Monday the pitch could not be played on and efforts had been made to find all the teams alternative pitches at Huntington and York College.

Sam Outing, captain of York Hearts FC, one of the teams affected, said: “It’s a shame for us because we hoped to do well going into a new league as an established team and after a good season at Huntington.”

Wates Construction completed the new Manor CE School six weeks ahead of schedule at its Millfield Lane site and the school’s 960 pupils moved in after Easter.

Phil Harrison, director at Wates Construction, said: “An astroturf pitch was laid at the highly-applauded Manor School site by a sub-contractor in line with the drawing specifications. “However, following some concerns raised with us, we have commissioned a specialist to investigate the pitch and a correction plan will be put in place to remedy any issues identified as soon as we have the findings from the report.”