State-of-the-art football arena planned for Ford

A STATE-OF-THE-ART football arena is set to open its doors at Ford Airfield, later this year.

The Ford Indoor Football Arena, located behind the Flying Fortress, in Yapton Road, is scheduled to open in October.

The £500,000 development will be the largest, private, indoor football venue in the south of England, with four indoor five-a-side football pitches, changing facilities and a merchandise area.

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The pitches will use the latest 3G artificial grass and the complex will incorporate the latest environmentally friendly technology, with more than 90 per cent of its energy coming from renewable sources, such as solar power.

Arun district councillor for the area, Stephen Haymes, said: “Any sporting and recreational facility is welcomed by everyone.

“The indoor, five-a-side football arena will be a fantastic asset as it will be used in all weather.

“It is close enough to be accessible and far enough not to disturb local homes.”

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Conceived by the project’s managing director Michael Bell and business partner Rod Hague, the idea has taken more than a year to come to fruition.

Michael said: “We recognised that there was a real need for more indoor football facilities in the county.

“We wanted to create the county’s best, dedicated, indoor football arena – not just for this generation, but for future generations to come.

“We’re looking to engage people of all ages and abilities and entice them into football, at a friendly level.

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“One of the things we will be offering is lunch-time drop-ins during the week-day lunch hour where people can drop in, keep fit and play football during their lunch and still have time to shower and get back to work.”

Last week, a meeting was held with the chief executive of Sussex FA, Ken Benham, and Sussex FA’s county development manager, Kevin Tharme, who both pledged their support for the site.

The venue will hold a five-a-side football league, called the Dream 5. It will also support charities, such as the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, with regular fund-raising events.

For more information on email Ford Indoor Football Arena on [email protected] or visit www.ford-indoor-football-arena.com

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