COUNTY Antrim club St Mary’s, Rasharkin have announced long-awaited plans to develop their facilities at Dreen.

Work began this week on the £300,000 development which will see a floodlit 4G pitch, measuring 30m x 60m, constructed between the two existing pitches.

A 4.8m high ball-wall will run along one end of the pitch, while the club’s existing walking track is to be extended around the 4G facility.

Phase two of the project will see the club’s existing hall, which has been in place since 1980, replaced with a gym and indoor hall to facilitate wider club activities.

The club’s main pitch was first opened in 1983, along with new changing rooms and toilet facilities, and St Mary’s opened a second pitch, the Jamesie McLernon Memorial Pitch, in August 2000.

With the last development on the grounds coming over 20 years ago, there is huge excitement around the village over the latest project.

A spokesperson said the work would help accelerate the club’s all-round development.

“Our club are a club committed to growing and developing our members and the community.

“We have exciting plans for development of our grounds which will benefit the community and strengthen our club.

“The 4G pitch will be an exciting addition to our current facilities and will enable activities in all weathers and increase our training capability.

“We believe phase two will be a significant benefit to all our club members and the community to improve physical and mental health and to have a space to hold social events.

“This is an opportunity to provide first class facilities for the future generation of the club.”