A new £810,000 football centre in Hexham, Northumberland, has been given a funding boost by the Football Foundation (FF).

FF will contribute £463,815 towards the project, which is being developed by Tynedale Council, in partnership with Hexham Football Club, North Country Leisure Tynedale and Northumberland Football Association.

Plans for the new centre at Dukes House Wood in Hexham include two new natural turf football pitches, together with a practice pitch and changing facilities. The centre will allow a comprehensive training and competitive football programme to be developed, specifically designed for children from the under eight age group up to under 16 level.

Work on the centre is expected to begin this month, after planning permission was granted earlier this year. The new facilities are anticipated to be ready for use in time for the start of the 2009-10 season.

The development site has been sub leased by Tynedale Council from Kingswood, the outdoor activity operator, which will remain responsible for the overall management of the site.

The council will contribute £200,000 towards the project, as well as a further £123,517 through its Housing Developers' Fund for Sport. Hexham Football Club will provide £20,000, while Northumberland County Council's Members' Local Improvement Scheme will also help towards funding.

Councillor Fiona Hunter, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture at Tynedale 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."