YOUNG footballers in Christchurch will be over the moon at council plans to build two specialised outdoor pitches at a former refuse tip.

The community services committee wholeheartedly agreed on plans for the synthetic turf football pitches at the Arena site behind the 2Riversmeet Leisure Centre, to help improve the town's opportunities for young people.

Much work has been completed at the site, with a skate park already up and running and a new BMX and mountain bike facility set to be finished by the end of spring.

And the new pitches look set to be in constant use due to a strong local demand for all types of junior and adult football.

The scheme looks to work very closely with 2Riversmeet as they will be booking pitches and providing changing accommodation, as well as maintaining the site.

And Alan Ottaway, principal countryside and open spaces officer is set to meet with the Football Foundation to discuss funding of the scheme, which although at present does not match the Football Association's facilities strategy, can be looked into being adapted for this purpose.

Cllr Lucy Filer said: "There still appears to be a gap with the youth in the town but this facility ticks all the boxes. What better way is there to further unite communities than to have families from all over the borough stood at the sidelines, cheering on their children and supporting their team.

"It is a great way to spend many pleasant hours in a town where time is pleasant."

The whole committee enthusiastically supported her; with Cllr Peter Hall agreeing it was a very much-needed project and was delighted to support the unanimously approved proposal.

Cllr Ray Nottage said: "I welcome this report, especially as it encourages female involvement in the sport."

Although the timetable for the Arena is extremely tight, the council hopes it will be open by July 2009.