Plans to build two multi-million pound football hubs in Croydon are "taking shape."

Late last year Purley Way Playing Fields and Ashburton Playing Fields were earmarked for the new developments.

Each site would benefit from two floodlit, full size artificial ‘3G’ pitches, a new changing pavilion with a café, community spaces, and toilets.

On-site car parking would be provided, along with enhanced pedestrian and cycle access.

Croydon Council has now announced it is moving forward with those plans.

“It is great to see these proposals are taking shape and that Croydon is positioning itself to take advantage of this fantastic partnership opportunity," councillor and cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, Oliver Lewis said.

“The performance of our national team this summer has given us something to be proud of, but we must ensure that grassroots football in boroughs like Croydon thrives, so that young people, as well as older generations, can enjoy sport and be active.”

The council is aiming to apply for planning permission for both schemes this autumn, with a decision anticipated by early 2019.

If that all goes to plan then it hopes to have the new facilities open in 2020.

If planning permission is granted then the council could potentially secure between £5 and £6m from the Premier League, Sport England and the Greater London Authority.

The remainder of the costs, around £3m, would be funded locally, with the possibility for more funding.