Dunfermline: First phase of Athletic's Rosyth training ground complete

The football club's first team squad took to their brand new, state-of-the-art 4G astroturf pitch at the Rosyth site earlier on Tuesday for the first time.

The first phase of the project to transform the former Civil Service Sports Club, on Castle Road, began in November after the Pars, two years earlier, had concluded an agreement to take over the venue.

In January, we reported that Athletic received £325,000 of UK Government funding, part of a larger £6 million pot for grassroots sport in Scotland, towards the cost of the new pitch.

The surface, in addition to surrounding fencing and floodlights, was completed on schedule by contractors Doe Sports, and Pars sporting director, Thomas Meggle, commented: "We are delighted to be able to start to use the astroturf pitch here at Rosyth.

The Pars players have been able to test out the new pitch. (Image: Craig Brown.)

"It’s a landmark moment and the culmination of more than two years of planning. We know there is still lots to do on the site as we look to fully realise the potential of the training ground, but having an outstanding all weather playing surface lets us get all DAFC teams on site at one venue for the first time in a generation."

Although groundworks are still be completed around the artificial pitch, the Pars said that the development "represents a huge step forward in allowing the first team, academy and Pars Foundation to house all our footballing activities on one site".

David Cook, club chairman and CEO, said: "I’d like to thank DAFC Fussball GMBH for their support in helping us complete phase one of our Rosyth training ground project along with Fife Council, the Scottish Football Association and DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Support) who have offered grant support to the initiative.

"Our construction partners Sports Lab and Doe Sports North Ltd have been exemplary in their project management and delivery of this project on budget and on time.

"Finally, I would like to acknowledge the fine contributions of my fellow directors Ian Hunter and Billy Braisby who have played pivotal roles in getting us to this stage. Exciting times ahead!"

In addition to a floodlit artificial pitch and changing facilities, initial proposals for the site included two full-size grass pitches; warm-up and goalkeeper areas; an education and analysis auditorium; offices and meeting rooms; a kit room, laundry and boot room; an indoor sports hall; a kitchen; and an eating and rest area.

Additionally, it was also planned that the club's strength and conditioning gym, which is currently situated in the corner of the Main and East stands at East End Park, would also be relocated to the new facility.

Pars first team manager, James McPake, told Press Sport: "For me it's huge, having our own base.

"Albeit we're not completely in it yet, but the fact we've now got somewhere where we can go that is our own place and train is great.

"The surface is fantastic. The lads enjoyed being on it and it takes the club to the next level right from the kids, the pre-academy, the academy, all the way up to first team level.

"You've now got your own base, and there's ongoing work there, but we're delighted with it so far, and the boys are enjoying being on it.

"In terms of the football club, it can take us to a different level, in terms of attracting players, working with players - as I say from all age groups right up to the first team - and being able to just have the pitch as and when you need it to go and do your extra sessions or do individual work.

"I'm delighted with it.

"As much as we're not on site just yet, the fact that we've got that pitch, it's our pitch when we need to do whatever on it. It's a massive step in my opinion for the growth of the football club."