Work on the construction of eight new football pitches and a clubhouse at Paletine Park, Worthing, is to commence in March 2011.

Funding for the £1.4m scheme, which will establish a centre of football excellence, is being provided by Worthing Borough Council and the Football Foundation. The project is also backed by Worthing Town Youth Football Club, the Football Association and Viridor Credits Environmental Company.

Occupying 15 acres (6.1 hectares), the current recreation ground offers four football pitches with a pavilion that has fallen into a state of disrepair. Council leader Paul Yallop said: "We approached Worthing Town FC some time ago to see if we could help them find a place to promote football development for young people. After some investigation of suitable areas, Palatine Park became the obvious choice."