Green carpet laid out ready to welcome players and fans

Football is a giant step closer to being played at Victoria Park with the new world-class 3G pitch now installed.

Guernsey's new home of football, Victoria Park, has had its 3G artificial pitch installed and the assembly of the stands is well under way. (Picture from Victoria Park)

With the assembly of the stands under way and the buildings wind and watertight, the project, which will be the new headquarters for the Guernsey Football Association and home ground for Guernsey FC, is on track to welcome players and fans early next year.

‘It’s great to see Victoria Park taking shape, and 10 years on since planning began, we’re pleased that the project is well on track,’ said GFA chief executive Gary Roberts.

‘The new 3G pitch will provide Guernsey football with a high-quality all-weather surface, so seeing it going down has been a particularly special moment.

‘The stadium’s development means the whole community will benefit from experiencing football on a world-class playing surface, and we’re looking forward to welcoming players and fans to enjoy all the facilities Victoria Park will offer.’

The next-generation turf, which is used at the highest level of the game in Fifa and Uefa competitions, comprises a 40mm pile height laid over a 10mm prefabricated foam shock pad.

‘The project is on schedule and, hopefully, we’ll be greeting players and fans through the turnstiles next spring,’ said Rob Jones, director of Victoria Park. (Picture supplied)

Its surface is a blend of grass-like fibres attached to a special backing with a mix of sand and rubber brushed in. White pitch lines are cut into the surface.

Durable and safe, the pitch will provide the stadium with a year-round playing surface that can withstand intensive daily use.

For spectators, there will be seated stands on the north and south touchlines while behind either goal there will be covered terracing.

Made from high-grade galvanised steel, the structures were prefabricated in the UK for easier on-site assembly and fitting by main contractor Rihoy & Son, with the canopies expected to go on this month.

The fit-out of the clubhouse changing block is well-advanced, too.

‘The buzz that Victoria Park is already creating has been incredible, so we’re really pleased that the project is on schedule and, hopefully, we’ll be greeting players and fans through the turnstiles next spring,’ said Rob Jones, director of Victoria Park.

‘Victoria Park will realise an exciting new era for Guernsey football and we’re thrilled that the community is already supporting us, from sponsors who are keen to get involved, to clubs and players looking forward to getting their boots on the pitch, it’s a really exciting time.’