A NEW state-of-the-art £1.3million football complex and pitch will soon be built at Dudley College.

The college has netted a £874,000 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund towards the cost of creating the all-weather complex and installing a third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch.

The Priory Road 3G Football Complex, which will include changing facilities and a stand area for spectators, is due to open in September, shortly after the football season kicks off on August 6.

Community and lower league teams will be able to use the new 3G pitch, as well as Team Dudley FC, with fixtures able to go ahead all year round as it guarantees a consistent playing surface in all types of weather.

The facility will also have floodlights to allow evening matches to take place up until 9.30pm on weekdays.

Principal Lowell Williams said by working with a range of partners, including Dudley Council and Castle High School, the college was "able to make the dream of a 3G pitch a reality".

He added: "The college is keen this becomes a shared community resource and we are eager to hear from junior or senior clubs that would be interested in using the facilities.

"We're grateful the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund were able to support the project and we see this as recognition that an interest in the game has never been greater in the region, even if our local teams aren’t having their most successful seasons.

"This new facility will be an added bonus not only for our many students on dedicated sports courses but for everyone who wants to play the game.”

Anyone wanting to know more about using the new 3G pitch should email simon.king@dudleycol.ac.uk