GAZETTE & HERALD: The gala opening of Chippenham's new sports ground, Stanley Park will be celebrated with a grand festival of football involving hundreds of young players.

The official opening will take place at 11am on Thursday October 28, with the Mayor of Chippenham Coun Ross Henning presiding at the ceremony.

Organisers at Chippenham Town Council also hope to book a famous local footballer to be special guest at the event.

In the two days preceding the grand opening, the town council is holding a series of special football workshops for boys and girls aged five to 14, of all abilities.

The aspiring footballers will be divided up into age groups, five to six years, minis seven to ten years, youth ten to 14 and girls ten to 14.

The sessions will run between 10am and 3.30pm and cost between £3 and £6 per day.

The football skills days will include coaching, tournaments and fun football activities culminating in a Festival Finals Day on the Thursday

All coaches are qualified to FA/UEFA standard, hold First Aid qualifications and have vast experience in coaching children of all abilities.

Youngsters who take part in the two days (October 26-27) may be asked to attend the Festival Finals Day at the official opening ceremony.

Participants should bring a packed lunch, football kit (boots and shin-pads), warm clothes and a waterproof.

For more details and booking forms please contact the Community Football Development Officer on (01249) 463905.

Booking closes at 4.30pm on Friday, October 22, and limited places are available.