A NEW state-of-the-art football facility is to officially open in Wrexham next week.

Last year work began at Colliers Park in Gresford, Wrexham AFC's former training ground, on a base to house the Football Association of Wales' (FAW) new National Football Development Centre.

The FAW has now confirmed the facility will be officially opened on the afternoon of Sunday, September 22.

Gresford east/west councillor Andrew Atkinson said: "I'm delighted that this incredibly exciting centre is due to be officially opened.

"It's great to have it in Gresford but really it's a big deal for Wrexham and for North Wales and is a great commitment to nurturing the talent we have in the area and providing aspiration for our young people."

Wrexham Mayor, Cllr Rob Walsh said: "To have this is really going to put Wrexham on the map football-wise.

"Having such a national centre in North Wales can only help the game here in Wrexham and further afield."

As well as expanding the existing facilities, the scheme has entailed the laying of two premium pitches as well as an upgraded 3G pitch with dugout and small stands.

Two of the pitches are replicas of the one at Cardiff City's stadium where Wales play most of their home games.

At the start of the works on the facility, FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said the development would strengthen the national team's ties to North Wales and as well as funding from various partner bodies, was a legacy of Wales' success at Euro 2016.

Colliers Park was opened in June 1997 at a cost of £750,000, but was sold by then cash-strapped Wrexham AFC, along with the Racecourse, to Glyndwr University in 2011.

The club moved out of Colliers Park in 2016 and now trains at the Nine Acre Field, close to the town centre.