DORCHESTER Town have today released a statement outlining their intentions to install a 3G pitch at the Avenue next summer.

The community owned county town side are in the process of compiling a business plan to apply for a 50 per cent grant to help pay for the artificial surface, in a move the club hope will maximise potential income from their stadium facilities, as well as benefit the community.

In a statement on their website, the club said: “Due to FIFA regulations, introduced in late 2015, the club no longer qualified for Football Foundation funding, this was a major blow to the plans to have a 3G pitch installed in the summer of 2016.

“In October 2016 the club expressed an intention to apply for Section 106 funding for 50 per cent of the cost, we are now in the process of compiling a business plan for the Section 106 application. This business plan will be distributed in due course.

“We are working on funding options for the other 50 per cent required and are hopeful a 3G pitch will be installed at the Avenue Stadium over the summer of 2017."

The club added: "A 3G pitch would allow the Avenue to become a home for Dorchester Town Youth Football Club, with youngsters training and playing at the stadium every week.

"It will also allow the club's subsidiary, Kixstart, to expand their Ability Counts and Walking Football offer.

"The stadium would become the hub of football for the local community."