AFTER nearly a decade of hard work Christchurch Football Club has unveiled its new changing rooms.

The new facilities at the club's MA Hart Stadium, at Hurn Bridge, have been named in memory of player Marc Burrows, who died from pancreatic cancer in February 2009.

As well as fully appointed home and away changing rooms with adjoining bathrooms, the complex boasts a medical room, managers' room and an area for laundering kit.

Many of those associated with the club over the years attended a ribbon cutting ceremony last week (OCT 19), with club president Dawn Page doing the honours.

Chairman Fiona Clements has called the work a "labour of love" after the "untimely loss" of Mr Burrows, and the decision to name the suite after him was taken not long after his death.

"This has taken eight years to build and it has been hand to mouth," she said.

"There were some delays during the final part of the build, so it’s with a big sigh of relief we can finally name the facility.

"We have had a huge amount of help from individuals and companies such as Hopkins, Glossbrooks, New Milton Sand and Ballast, In-Excess, The Steve Bernard Foundation, Bournemouth FA, Christchurch Tyres in conjunction with Yokohama, M.A. Hart plus so many more.

"We are extremely thankful for their help along the way.

"The changing rooms have mainly been built by volunteers where possible, with sponsors donating labour and building supplies along with fundraising."

Earlier this year the Sydenhams Wessex One club agreed a new five-year stadium sponsorship deal with MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd, a source of new funding allowing the changing room project to be completed.

The club plans to bring in a development team to support the first team and encourage young talent.

Mr Burrows, nicknamed Buzz, had played for Portsmouth, Brading, Cowes Sports and Eastleigh and was regarded as one of Christchurch's top players and as a "real, genuine team lad".

He was just 30 when he died. Five years prior he had made headlines when he scored one of the quickest goals in history – hitting the back of the net after just two seconds for Cowes Sports Reserves against Eastleigh.