WOOLMER Hill Sports Ground will be a top-flight player if plans to equip it with a new state-of-the art 4G pitch can be realised.

If the project gets the go ahead, Woolmer Hill will join world-class venues such as Saracens’ Allianz Park in embracing the latest technology.

A 4G pitch combines the durability and drainage of a 3G, but with an added shock-pad that absorbs impact and maximises safety for high impact sports, such as rugby.

The result is a truly multi-sport surface, which is playable in almost any weather conditions.

It is hoped grants from the Football Association and Rugby Football Union will provide half the £700,000 cost of the pitch, and town charity the Penny Ha’Penny Trust has also committed to raise a quarter of the required funding.

Waverley Borough Council, which will be providing the land, will explore a range of funding options to raise the remaining £175,000.

Waverley deputy leader Haslemere councillor Ged Hall, who is finance portfolio holder, said: “It’s likely to take a couple of years to pull the money together and for everything to be completed, but I think it’s great we’re working together to try to get Haslemere such a top-class sports facility.

“It will benefit the community, support our local football and rugby teams to train and play - and inspire and encourage the next generation of local sportsmen and sportswomen.

“If it all goes ahead it’s also good news for the borough of Waverley, as we could get a fantastic sports venue, including stadium seating and floodlighting, with the potential to develop into a new income stream for the council.”

Chairman of Haslemere Penny HaPenny Trust and town councillor Malcolm Carter, said: “The trust raises funds to support organisations and activities that will benefit residents. We’re very excited by the opportunity to help bring such a high quality sporting facility to Woolmer Hill. It’s going to be a focal point for the community and our sports teams are going to be absolutely pumped up to practice and play on the pitch all year round.”

Neill McWilliams, chairman of Beacon Hill Junior Football Club, added: “The number of children joining us has grown significantly and the lack of all weather football training facilities in Waverley has been a problem not just for our club, but for football generally in the borough. This will make a massive difference throughout Waverley.”