ACCRINGTON and Rossendale College is to become the 'Real deal' for football with the installation of a Champions League-standard pitch.

At a total cost of £1million, a pavilion housing a sports rehab unit, changing rooms, an office for officials and a classroom for sports students will also be constructed on the campus off Broad Oak Road.

The pitch - accredited to Fifa's level two meaning it is good enough for Champions League football - will be opened by Easter.

It is the same artificial surface used for training pitches at Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspurs. Bosses say it will be one of the most advanced football pitches in the country and will help the development of talented sportsmen and women from college academies.

In addition, the pitch will also be available for the community to use.

The pavilion will be finished by the summer. The college has not revealed whether the development is being paid for by its own capital funds, or through a grant.

College principal, Stephen Carlisle said: "We have one of the best football academies of any college in the county and that has been shown through our results.

"Now they'll be able to play on one of the most advanced pitches in the UK which will hugely benefit our new intake of students in September 2011.

“It should be said, however, that this is also a great facility for the entire community and we will ensure it is enjoyed, not only by students, but by local schools, football clubs and other groups who will benefit from the investment."

Head of sports, Mark Fell added: "This provides a training centre to rival and surpass most professional football clubs' training grounds. The facility is in keeping with our philosophy of excellence and we are looking forward to welcoming our next generation of talented players to the college."