Construction work on a regional indoor football training facility at Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre is almost complete. The facility, which is funded by Fife Council and sportscotland, will be the first of its kind in Fife.

The indoor training facility is being built next to the existing outdoor synthetic turf pitches and athletics track. It will be available for casual bookings as well as becoming an important asset for Fife Football Performance Academy, Fife Elite Football Academy, grassroots football programmes and clubs.

Cllr Judy Hamilton, Convener of the Council’s Community & Housing Services Committee said: “This facility will allow us to offer a real focus on training and development, strengthening the good work already being done by the Council’s football development team. We’re committed to increasing opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity and this training facility will help us to offer a stronger pathway for Fife’s footballers.

“Our Fife Football Performance Academy has had a very successful first three years. It’s been particularly encouraging to see the number of girl members and disability members increase significantly in that time. This new training facility will help to deliver many more sporting success stories and I’m particularly keen to ensure it contributes towards the work the Council is doing to help address poverty and challenge the health inequalities we face.”

Cllr Fiona Grant, Convener of the Glenrothes Area Committee added: “This will add to the already impressive range of facilities available at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. It’s been a popular leisure centre since opening four years ago and it’s great to see it continue to grow and expand its offering.
“Adding a dedicated indoor facility such as this is a first for Fife and I’m confident it will be a real asset for football and rugby communities across the kingdom, not just those locally.”

The facility will be operated by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust on behalf of Fife Council. Ed Watson, Chief Executive for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The trust has continued to achieve year-on-year growth in attendances and has recently reached a landmark 20 million visits to its facilities since its launch in 2008. We remain committed to delivering affordable, quality leisure opportunities and we are confident that this new indoor facility will be a great resource for local communities to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of getting active.”

The indoor football facility is expected to open in November.