PITCH PERFECT: THE 3G RETURNS

The 3G is the home of Hampton sport. From the lunchtime 'one-bounce' games to ESFA semi-finals, it has hosted some of the most significant events in Hampton's history. After a brief hiatus, it has returned with a refurbished surface and looks better than ever. Tom Scrimshaw reports.

This year at Hampton has brought many highlights and achievements: both sporting and academic. However, one of the most celebrated moments was the completion of the new 3G sports ground. The old 3G provided an excellent playing surface for Hamptonians during its many years, so the summer offered the perfect opportunity for its restoration.

The 3G provides a great place for pupils to play a wide range of sports, and is enjoyed by everyone, especially at break and lunchtime. However, the 3G is only a relatively recent addition to the Hampton facilities. I interviewed English teacher and football coach Mr Toby Green (OH) 1995, who reflected on his memories of the 3G and sport more generally at Hampton.

Before the 3G was initially built on the right hand side of the School, the space was used to accommodate the First XI football pitch at the end nearest Hanworth Road. Mr Green fondly remembers the pitch, describing it as being a “pristine, beautiful pitch” and remembers that “The old football coach, Mr McLean, used to come and shout at anyone who stood on it! No-one was allowed on the First XI football pitch until they were in the team!”

When asked for his thoughts on the new 3G, Mr Green described it as being “awesome” and illustrated his jealousy for “the extremely lucky boys who have the opportunity to use such a brilliant facility on a day-to-day basis.” Although the 3G provides a great space for boys to play football, Mr Green tells me that “Mr Hurst has declared that the 3G’s surface is still a bit slow and needs to speed up a little bit.”

On being asked whether he preferred the sports field or 3G, Mr Green proclaimed “As a cricketer, nothing beats the sports fields! Having all the cricket squares there is absolutely magnificent.” However, “As someone who played a lot of muddy football in my youth, having a place like the 3G where you can run around playing sport without getting muddy is brilliant!”

The 3G provides a great playing surface for boys to use in all weather conditions, which Mr Green describes as being “A great option, because when I was at the School and it rained, you weren’t allowed on the fields so essentially there were long periods of time where you wanted to play football, but couldn’t because the pitches would become waterlogged.”

The surface has become a much valued facility by pupils and staff alike and is often one of the most enjoyable aspects to lunchtime and wider sport at Hampton. Upon being asked what the 3G means to him, Mr Green tells me: “As a teacher, when you go out and see all the boys at lunchtime playing on the 3G, it’s brilliant because we spend a lot of time with Hamptonians in the classroom so it is great to see everyone enjoying themselves together outside.”

Speaking about the vibrant energy of the Hampton boys, he added: “I think it’s on the 3G that we really see this, with year groups and classes having a wonderful time together, and I think seeing how much enjoyment the boys get out of the 3G is excellent.”

The new astro tennis courts at the end of the 3G have also failed to disappoint. With tennis being a popular summer term choice of sport, the new courts offer much more space. Adding to the six allweather tennis courts on site, the new astro courts will undoubtedly play host to a high standard of tennis in the years to come.