Residents of North East Lincolnshire will soon benefit from a £2m investment in community sports facilities, following the approval of a new football facility in Bradley.

A joint venture between the council and The Football Association (FA) will transform Bradley Playing Fields into a Community Football Development Centre, as part of The FA’s drive to develop a network of sports villages across the country.

Mark Liddiard, FA regional facilities manager, explained: “The FA is committed to supporting North East Lincolnshire Council in the redevelopment of Bradley Playing Fields into a high-quality football facility.

“The project has taken into account widespread consultation with clubs and leagues and links in well with The FA’s emerging National Game Strategy 2008—2012.”

The new site will feature a full-size, all weather, floodlit football pitch with changing rooms, training areas and social facilities.

In addition, a floodlit, first team (championship) pitch will be available for use by local teams playing at a higher level and for local cup final matches.

The development also forms part the council’s 2007 Playing Pitch Strategy, managed by sports and arts development manager Mark Cullum.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for North East Lincolnshire Council to develop a world class football development centre that will be the envy of the rest of the country. Nowhere else will have such extensive state-of-the-art grass roots football facilities, all on one site,” said Cullum.

“It is hoped that this development will inspire a generation of young people from North East Lincolnshire to keep active through football and succeed at the highest level possible.”