Blakedown Sport & Play has completed construction of a 3rd Generation, 100m x 63m pitch to FIFA 2 star standards at Accrington & Rossendale College in Lancashire.

The £1m sports development consists of two stages; stage one is the installation of the new synthetic pitch and stage two - due for completion next summer - is a state of the art pavilion.

The building of the FIFA 2 star certified pitch includes a Desso surface, similar to that used by some of Europe's top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, VFL Volfburg and Real Madrid.

Head of Sports Mark Fell said: "Academy teams will be based at this new facility, providing them with a training centre to rival and surpass most professional football clubs' training grounds."

College principal Stephen Carlisle added "This is a great facility for the entire community and we will ensure it is enjoyed, not only by our talented students, but by local schools, football clubs and other groups who will benefit from the investment."