Construction kicks off on phase one of Aberdeen Football Club's new £50 million pound training facilities in Kingsford.

The overall plans include a new Community Hub, Professional Training Campus and Youth Development Academy.

The first phase of the development will involve the construction of the training pavilion, groundsman's accommodation, three professional training pitches, two 3G pitches and two grass pitches.

Aberdeen FC manager, Derek McInnes, AFC Community Trust chief executive, Ally Prockter, and Lord Provost, Barney Crockett kick started construction on the new facilities.

Derek McInnes said: "This is a hugely significant milestone for the Club as we embark on building long-awaited, best-in-class training facilities.

"Since I took on the role of manager at AFC I have been campaigning for better facilities so there's a huge sense of relief and excitement today to see work beginning on-site.

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"Dedicated, purpose-built facilities, adjacent to our new stadium, will be a major boost for the players and the coaching staff. They will help us attract and retain talent as well as providing an excellent base for community engagement and footballing excellence in the north of Scotland that will inspire future generations."

McIntosh Plant Hire has also secured the contract to complete the initial earthworks and ground remediation in preparation for the building works, which are due to commence in October 2018.

The community sports hub and football training facilities will be completed in Summer 2019.

The club will also begin consulting with Westhill and Elrick and Kingswells Community Councils and representatives from local sports groups to discuss the best use of the facilities.

Ally Prockter, Aberdeen FC Community Trust's chief executive said: "These purpose-built facilities will help us support more individuals in communities and reach even more participants of all ages and from different walks of life.

"We currently don't have sufficient space at Pittodrie or any kind of sporting or classroom facilities to call our own, which can make delivering many projects extremely challenging.

"We are extremely excited about moving to this inspirational setting to continue our work and respond to the needs of more individuals in communities, not just in the city but across the entire North-east."

(CM)