Football development centre opens in Wales

Dragon Park, Wales' new national football development centre, has officially opened in Newport.

Located in the Newport International Sports Village, the £5m centre includes two premium grade grass pitches, one 3G pitch, training recovery zone and changing rooms.

It will also house the administrative base for the Welsh Football Trust (WFT).

The centre aims to improve the standard of football at all levels in Wales, including women's and disability squads, and will also be a home for referee training.

First minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: "We have committed £450,000 in capital funding for the first phase of this development which aims to increase participation in sport and bring wider economic benefits to the community by opening its doors to host matches and provide a world-class training venue."

Squads will be able to take advantage of other facilities at the International Sports Village including the South East Wales regional swimming pool and Wales National Velodrome.