TAVISTOCK has a new football development officer as part of a £1.8 million project to build the biggest outdoor public sports complex in West Devon.

Neil Jordain will be working with the community as the Crowndale football complex takes shape incorporating six new pitches, a new grandstand, five new sets of changing rooms, a community room and a car parking area. Neil will also be working alongside Tavistock College too who have good sporting facilities nearby.

A passionate footballer himself, Neil, who started his new job earlier this month, said: 'I'm looking forward to supporting the local football clubs, Tavistock College and the local community as I aim to provide exciting activities that can be enjoyed by everyone.'

He said he was looking to set up more opportunities for the young people of the town by increasing the provision of football during school times, including regular festivals and clubs, and through extra curricular activities during the weekend and all school holidays.

He is also planning to run various competitions for the football fanatic adults in the community including weekly small sided opportunities.

Neil can be contacted by email at [email protected]">[email protected] or mobile 07810 836268.

The development at Crowndale is expected to be completed by the autumn.

The Football Foundation has awarded the scheme a £1 million grant, and other funders include West Devon Borough Council, Tavistock Football Community Club, Devon County Football Association, Crowndale Recreational Association, Tavistock College, Tavistock Town Youth FC, Tavistock Thistles FC, local ladies football teams and Devon County Council have all played a major role in the project.

The architects for the scheme are Stuart Bayley of Living Space, Plymouth and Dick Spackman of Tavistock.