Gary continued: “Football has more than 2,000 active participants on a weekly basis in Guernsey, so we’ve made it an absolute priority that the site will be accessible, inclusive and affordable for the whole community. 

“The 3G playing surface is compliant with the recommended FIFA international pitch size, so will provide Guernsey with top-quality facilities for football at all levels, from those who play casually with friends, to youth-level football, all the way through to Guernsey FC and representative football."

The project's £10m and is being funded by a £1.175m grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation as well as a £150,000 grant from the Premier League Stadium Fund. Additional funding has come from private donations and The Football Association HQ Grant.

The new facility will host training and matches for clubs, small-sided opportunities, recreational football and cup finals. 

Guernsey FC will also play home matches at the site and all Guernsey representative matches, including Muratti finals, will be hosted at the new facility. 

Pictured: Guernsey played all their group games in the Island Games at The Track, the traditional home of the Muratti before it was moved to Footes Lane.

The site was purchased from the States of Guernsey and Deputy Dave Mahoney, member of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “This is an important project which the GFA is leading, and a big investment being made into the site by the Football Foundation and private donors. It will deliver something of benefit to the whole community, and all players and fans of the game at all levels, and that has to be welcomed.” 

Rihoy & Son is the main contractors for the work. 

Pictured: An artist's impression of the front of the new development. Image from Lovell Ozanne.

Chairman Gavin Rihoy said: “We’re big supporters of local sport, and in particular have been supporters of local football through our longstanding sponsorship of Northerners AC, so to bring this project to life and contribute to securing the future of football in the island is a huge honour. We’re excited to work with the GFA on this game-changing development.” 

Jason Powers Consultants are the project managers and quantity surveyors. 

Managing director Jason Powers said: “We’ve been working with the GFA for more than five years on this project, so to see it finally get underway is a great moment. The site is going to be the home of Guernsey football for decades to come, so we were pleased to have been involved in advising on its initialfeasibility and to have made sure that the project runs smoothly to completion.” 

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.  

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.  

“This grant award to Guernsey FA is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”  

Architect Lovell Ozanne designed the scheme. 

Pictured top: Artist's impression of the GFA's new stadium. Image courtesy of Lovell Ozanne.