A Dudley youth football club unveiled the blueprint for a £500,000 new home as it submitted its detailed application to council planning chiefs for the first time.

If approved, the proposals would mean The Kewford Eagles would have extensive pitch development, transforming a 30-acre area next to Dudley-Kingswinford Rugby Club into 21 pitches of varying sizes for teams of different ages. The application has now been sent in for planning departments to study at both Dudley and South Staffordshire.

Former club chairman Colin Worthington said: “This is a very exciting time, and we are really pleased with what has gone forward.

“Having these new pitches would be a very positive step for us, and I know the teams will benefit hugely. Everyone is really looking forward to when work can get started.”

Mr Worthington said the work should take two to three years.

The plans include eight miniature pitches, three of three-quarter size for 11-a-side matches, seven of full size, and one premier pitch. They will be used by the 550 players in 40 squads at the club, ranging from under-sixes all the way through to senior football. Female teams range from under-eights to under-16s.

A 100-space car park, including five disabled spaces, plus 40 overspill and six coach parking spaces are also proposed

Father-of-three Mr Worthington, aged 53, of Wall Heath, said the club was still in negotiations with the lottery arm of the Football Association about funding.

“All estimates for costs are speculative at the moment. It’s a massive project so we don’t know exactly how much it is going to be. It’s difficult to say until we have had a full and proper quote.” he added.

Proposals, originally set to cost around £1.2 million, were drawn up after the club secured a 30-year lease on the site and a fundraising drive was launched.

Mr Worthington said the plans, including an all-weather pitch, had to be substantially downgraded due to the credit crunch.

The club is now hoping residents will write or email in support of The Kewford Eagles plans to South Staffordshire Council Planning Department. More information is available on www.kewfordeagles.co.uk, officials said.