Image: The £5m complex will be located at NISV

Lead contractor ISG has moved in to commence groundwork on the construction of Wales' new £5m National Football Development Centre at Newport International Sports Village (NISV).

Newport City Council is working alongside the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and the Welsh Football Trust (WFT) on the scheme, which was approved earlier this year.

ISG was appointed following a competitive tender process held by the FAW, with Cardiff-based Boyes Rees Architects and structural engineers Shear Design also involved.

A FIFA 2-Star 3G artificial pitch will be among the facilities and is to be made available to local clubs and community groups as part of an agreement with the FAW.

Facilities also include a multi-purpose venue housing the FAW's office and administration headquarters, a 100-seat conference centre and extensive changing facilities.

Elsewhere, the National Football Development Centre will comprise physiotherapy and treatment suites with an ice bath, as well as a hi-tech video analysis facility and viewing balcony.

Exterior playing pitches are expected to be completed in September, while the building is due to be unveiled in February 2013.

WFT elite performance director Ian Rush said: "Having access to state-of-the art training facilities right up through the age groups, as well as the improved back room infrastructure is only going to enhance the chances of Wales achieving success on the world stage."

Details: www.welshfootballtrust.co.uk