A DREAM of bringing a football club home is edging closer and closer to becoming a reality.

Work has commenced on St Joseph’s Catholic High School’s new sports pitch this week – part of the rejuvenation project set out for the former Arbour Park site in Stoke Road, Slough, which includes a new stadium for Slough Town Football Club.

The new playing field will be completed this month before work commences on the football stadium – the old school playing fields – immediately afterwards.

Councillor Martin Carter, who is taking the lead on the project, said: “I think it’s fantastic. We’re looking at the start of facilities for the next generation.

"It’s exciting, the kids are excited, the school’s excited, and the local authority are excited.

“As we see this progress it’s going to be extraordinary.”

Pupils are also excited about the scheme. Adam Stochlinski, 12, said: “It will look really good and people will enjoy what’s being created.”

Kaya Noel, 11, added: “ I’m looking forward to playing football in the stadium.”

Ciran Stapleton, head teacher, said: “I am delighted, it’s amazing – it’s finally happening. We’ve been limited in what we can offer the pupils and this is huge.The benefits are going to be enormous – the kids are really, really excited.”

He added: “We’re going to be able to offer sports we haven’t been able to provide before like rugby and hockey - we’re going to be able to extend what we’ve already done.

“It’s given us momentum in moving the place forward.”

The construction is being phased with phase one including the building of the four-court sports hall for use by St Joseph’s and the wider community, a 3G pitch, car park and a terrace for spectators.

Phase one is due to be completed by August 2016.

Phase two of the scheme will see more community facilities introduced including club house-style rooms and a bar which will be available for hire and the main stand of the stadium for the football club.