A NEW state-of-the-art £1.3million sports hub has been unveiled at Dudley College.

The college netted a £874,000 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund towards the cost of creating the changing room pavilion - comprising of two team changing rooms, two officials’ changing rooms, a standing area and spectator toilets - and installing a floodlit third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch.

The all-weather pitch can be used all year round by college students and a number of local grassroots clubs, including Wrens Nest FC, Wordsley Wasps JFC and Team Dudley FC.

The Albion Foundation – the charitable arm of West Bromwich Albion FC – will also deliver a range of activities on the pitch, including Premier League Kicks and a Player Development Centre.

Engagement sessions for girls will also be run on-site, working alongside the college to establish further partnerships with its Regional Talent Camp.

The college's new facilities are "unsurpassed anywhere in the Black Country," according to principal Lowell Williams.

He continued: "We can provide all-year round playing and coaching for our competitive players, a recreational facility for our own learners and community members, as well as enhanced facilities for local schools who can use the grounds too.”

The hub was officially unveiled by former West Bromwich Albion FC striker Don Goodman and Dudley North MP Ian Austin on Friday (December 2).

Mr Goodman, who amassed nearly 600 appearances across his 20 year playing career and is now a Sky Sports pundit, said: “It’s great to see such fantastic facilities being made available to the young people of Dudley.

"I hope this new facility inspires them to keep playing throughout their lives. Perhaps one day I’ll be commentating on them as they run out on the pitch in the Premier League.”

Labour MP Mr Austin, added: “I think I spent pretty much every Sunday afternoon as a teenager playing football with my mates on the Priory Road pitches and I wish we’d had fantastic facilities like these in those days.

"It’s brilliant to hear that so many local people are already using the new pitch and changing rooms every day.

“These new all-weather pitches help keep youngsters fit and healthy, off the streets and out of trouble so I want to thank Dudley College for their hard work and the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund for the financial support towards this great addition for the town and the Dudley Learning Quarter.

"I hope it will encourage more people of all ages to put their boots on and get out here and enjoy the beautiful game.”