New football pitch battle finally won

Jon Armstrong, who has dealt with the club's development plan, said: "The football club in Hexham is delighted to receive this news.

"It's been a tough slog, well worth it, but the real work starts soon.

"All the people who have worked hard behind the scenes on this project will be rewarded by the fact that they have helped secure a fit-for-purpose facility for junior and youth football serving the community for the foreseeable future.

"The players and parents of all current Hexham FC team members should take pride in the fact that their own fund- raising efforts have contributed to the enablement of this vision.

"The commitment of Tynedale Council, North Country Leisure Tynedale, the Northumberland FA and local councillors should not go unrecognised."

The facility will include two pitches for matches and a training pitch, and will take the strain off the club's current home in the Wentworth Centre.

It will cater for players from the under- eight age group to under-16.

Tynedale Council has contributed more than £320,000 to the scheme, with the club also raising £20,000.

The council will sub-lease the development site from outdoor activity operators Kingswood, which is responsible for the overall management of the site. Work is due to start in September, with the new pitches ready for the 2009/10 season.

Coun Fiona Hunter, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture at the council, said: "The Football Foundation funding will now enable a much-needed new facility to go ahead, providing increased opportunities for the local community to participate in sport, as well as encouraging health and fitness.

"It will also benefit children from outside the area through its proximity to the Kingswood outdoor activity centre."

Alan Wright, president of Northumberland Football Association, added: "We work hard as a county football association to get better facilities for clubs and are delighted to see further opportunities for young players coming to the west division."