WORK to replace Bala Town’s grass pitch with a new state of the art 3G synthetic pitch at Maes Tegid is under way.

The project, which is part-funded by Gwynedd Council, the Football Association of Wales and UEFA’s Hat Trick programme, began on 4 July and will take between 10 and 12 weeks to complete.

Chief Executive Nigel Aykroyd said: “This is the culmination of over two years of hard work and delicate negotiation to arrive at the project commencement.

“It is a huge investment for the future generation in terms of sporting participation in Bala and its surrounding areas.

“Bala Town would like thank considerably the help we have received from all its partners in this project, which has enabled this development to transform from a distant dream into actual reality.”

After the clearing of the site and the removal of the top soil, work has started on drainage, to be followed by fencing and dugouts, and carpet and perimeter work.

It is intended that the artificial surface will benefit the whole of the community.

Speaking of the new development, FAW President David Griffiths said: “The Welsh success at Euro 2016 Championships has inspired our nation, we want youngsters hooked on football for life.”

He added: “When open, the new 3G facility in Bala will allow the football stars of tomorrow, from throughout Gwynedd, the opportunity to play football on a quality surface, in all types of weather.”

Developments at Maes Tegid mean that the Lakesiders’ pre-season matches will all take place away from home. The Lakesiders travel to play Caernarfon Town on Saturday, 23 July, before trips to play Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, 26 July and South Liverpool on Saturday, 30 July.

Meanwhile Bala Town will start their new Welsh Premier League campaign against Newtown at Latham Park on 13 August, before then travelling to newly-promoted Cardiff Met on 21 August.

The first match league match on the new 3G pitch at Maes Tegid is scheduled for Friday, 26 August, under the floodlights against old rivals Bangor City.

The following Saturday, 30 August, the Lakesiders host Carmarthen, before travelling to Connah’s Quay in 3 September.