AMBITIOUS Stourport Swifts are launching a £170,000 scheme to boost training facilities for the club and the community.

The Dr Martens League Western Division side want to set up a floodlit astroturf area with two five-a-side pitches at Walshes Meadow.

Swifts are already working to improve the ground's appearance with a new turnstile, perimeter boards and fencing.

And they would like to eventually set up a school for young footballers under their UEFA B-qualified coach John Powell.

Chairman Chris Reynolds hopes to secure much of the cost from the Football Foundation and gain planning permission.

But Reynolds admitted: "It is a mammoth undertaking and a sound financial plan has to be presented to the foundation to secure any funding whatsoever.

"It is estimated it will be between £130,000 and £150,000 for the astro-turf area and another £20,000 for the floodlighting.

"The football club needs to grow with the community to serve youth and ladies football.

"We have been approached by a couple of youth teams who want to come under our banner but no decisions have been made.

"We will also be able to hire the facility to local footballers to help fund the project."

Swifts are keen to set up an U-18s team in the future and also re-launch a ladies side.

Their plans over future seasons include knocking down the clubhouse and producing a new purpose-built facility with better changing rooms.

The astroturf area is destined to replace the small car park outside the clubhouse.

Reynolds added: "With the club having a very successful season last year we should go from strength to strength.

"Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that we weren't in a promotion position last season though we would have grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

"We would have struggled with the extra costs involved in the Premier Division.

"Our budget is well down compared with many of the other clubs and it's an issue of loyalty from players as money gets tighter.

"But Stourport Swifts has always been small and tight knit, a good club to play at with a good social side.

"The facilities are first class and I don't think there's a better pitch in our league."