Published: Tuesday, 19th January, 2010 12:02pm

Scotland stars kick-off bid for first 3G pitch in Borders

Netherdale: The next generation

IT is believed to be the first project of its kind in Scotland. And, this week, it received the support of two of the country's most respected sportsmen.

Former Scotland footballer John Collins and national rugby coach Gregor Townsend returned to their roots in Galashiels to kick-off much-vaunted plans to build the first 3G pitch in the Borders.

Last month, we revealed sports clubs and organisations throughout the town had united in support of the project after cash-strapped council chiefs kicked out plans to lay the latest all-weather surface at the sports complex in Tweedbank.

They all pitched in towards the cost of a feasibility study (£15,000) which is being conducted by Community Sports and Leisure Consultancy PMR Leisure in North Berwick, to assess whether the community-led partnership is viable and a report is due to be published next month.

However, following the official launch of the project at the new Borders College campus in Galashiels on Monday, we can confirm two sites have been identified as suitable for a 3G pitch at neighbouring Netherdale and the cost of the project is estimated at £650,000.

Last year we revealed the grass pitch at Gala Fairydean Football Club's home ground could be dug up and replaced with a 3G pitch but, despite boasting a grandstand and changing facilities, it is understood that the adjacent football field, over the fence on the back pitch, is the favoured option.

And, if a bid for funding is successful, it is hoped construction work could start as soon as the summer and the next generation of sports stars in the Borders could kick off their careers on the new pitch before the end of the year.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph this week, Collins, who along with Townsend has agreed to become a patron of the project, said: "I have had the privilege of playing on a 3G surface and believe we need one here if we are to develop sport in the Borders."

For more on this story, check out this week's edition of the Border Telegraph.