A Suffolk football club has unveiled the first part of a major overhaul at its ground which includes the installation of a new 3G pitch. 

Leiston Football Club is already halfway towards the £700,000 needed for the first phase of the project which covers the installation of the pitch and floodlights.

The club, which plays at Victory Road, aims to have the FIFA Pro 3G surface in place by the start of next season.

East Anglian Daily Times: An overview of the grass pitch at Victory Road today, set to become 3G by next season. Photo: JAMIE HAZELWOODAn overview of the grass pitch at Victory Road today, set to become 3G by next season. Photo: JAMIE HAZELWOOD (Image: Jamie Hazelwood)

The club's chairman and joint first team manager said the benefit will be felt by not just its players but that they are eager for the wider community to benefit from the new facilities.

At a launch event for the project at Fishers Gin Distillery, in Aldeburgh, club chairman Andy Crisp said: “This is a very exciting time for Leiston Football Club. And this is one of the biggest projects the club has ever undertaken.

East Anglian Daily Times: Leiston chariman Andy Crisp speaking at the launch.Leiston chariman Andy Crisp speaking at the launch. (Image: Ben Cunningham)

“But just as importantly, this is a very exciting time for the town of Leiston and the surrounding area. While our own teams will benefit from the facility, there are many other local teams and individuals who we want to enjoy it and benefit from it – and they will. This is very much a community facility, not just a Leiston Football Club one.”

The project will have three phases, with two and three including improvements to the clubhouse, changing rooms and additional car parking, among other things.

East Anglian Daily Times: Leiston joint first-team boss Darren Eadie shares plans for the new 3G Community pitch set for Victory Road, with delegates at the launch of the project at Fishers Gin Distillery in Aldeburgh.Leiston joint first-team boss Darren Eadie shares plans for the new 3G Community pitch set for Victory Road, with delegates at the launch of the project at Fishers Gin Distillery in Aldeburgh. (Image: Photo: BEN CUNNINGHAM)

Leiston joint first-team manager, Darren Eadie, said: “We have just the one main pitch right now, which is regarded as one of the best in the county. But it takes an awful pounding at times.

“A 3G pitch will mean we can actually train at our own ground, something that hasn’t always been possible. And of course, the opportunity for local groups to make use of the facility is a great community boost.”

To support the club with funding the project, please contact Andy Crisp (Chairman) on acrisp5@aol.com or Dave Williams (Director of Football) on dave.wiliams@leistonfc.co.uk.