Wednesday saw the start of the Stanley Park Festival of Football to commemorate the official opening of the new facility in Chippenham.

The opening sees the end of a six-year project that has cost more than £2 million. The project started when complaints were made about the lack football facilities in Chippenham.

Over the 37 acres that have been developed are 14 football pitches and a £1 million changing facility.

Football development officer for Chippenham Council Mark Austin said: "It is a great building. It has six changing rooms, three referees changing rooms and training room.

The training room can seat up to 30 people and can be used for team meetings and training courses."

Half of the money for the pitches was donated by the Football foundation. They issued a £1million grant, matched by Chippenham Town Council.

Austin is delighted that the pitches have at last been finished. He said: "It has taken six years of planning and two years to build the fields. They are already being used on Sundays for the Mid Wilts youth League.

"The fields were important as the facilities in Chippenham were very limited."

Adults are also benefiting from the new facilities as there are a number of full size pitches, which the Trowbridge and District leagues have been using.

On Tuesday the festival started with some training sessions. Then the children were split into groups for an open tournament.

Austin said: "We played some friendly games on Tuesday but the tournament really started on Wednesday. We just wanted to see how many kids would turn up."

Austin was delighted with the turn out. He said: "We have had almost 100 kids so far and more could show up later. We have split them into age groups and teams. The idea is taking part, not who wins the games.

"The kids and all enjoyed themselves. They are all keen to learn and are a joy to coach. The standard of football has been excellent."

The tournament was played right through Wednesday with the finals being played today, straight after the opening ceremony.

The ceremony is being held at noon today with Chippenham Lord Mayor Ross Henning and Swindon Town goalkeeper Rhys Evans cutting the ribbon.

After the finals the Mayor will be handing out medals to the winners. There is also a prize in each age group for the most improved player over the three days judged by the five coaches who volunteered to help at the festival.

Austin said: "The coaches have been first class and have given up their time to come here. They all have plenty of experience and have done a great job with the kids."

Every player will receive a certificate of achievement and a medal sponsored by the Gazette and Herald.