Plans by Aberdeen Football Club (FC) to create a new stadium and training facilities at Kingsford are being backed by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

Both organisations have written in support of the development to the city council, with a consultation discussing proposals on the project scheduled to close on Monday, 06 March.

Plans include build a new 20,000 seater stadium, as well as a new community/sports facility, new parking, associated landscaping and engineering works, as well as a new Football Academy comprising of outdoor pitches, pavilion and ancillary buildings.

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The SPFL supports the application on the grounds of the need for new infrastructure, investment in youth development, local community benefits and the wider positive economic impact for the North-east. In addition, it believes the projects location is suited for a stadium with appropriate transport links.

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, said: "The proposed development would complement the existing sports facilities in Aberdeen and enhance the regions' position as a Scottish sporting powerhouse. The creation of 3G pitches and multi-purpose sports areas available for use by the local community would enable greater numbers of people to participate in football."

Stewart Regan, chief executive of the SFA, added: "We fully support Aberdeen Football Club's modernisation strategy. One of Scottish football's most prominent and successful clubs, Aberdeen has a proud history of innovation and excellence on and off the field and these plans to develop a 21st century football academy and stadium will reaffirm its position as a beacon for Scotland and the North-East."

Councillors are due to discuss approving the application this summer.

(LM/MH)