A FOOTBALL campus used by Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool FC Women is to expand under new plans.

A new floodlit state-of-the-art pitch will be added to The Campus – formerly known as Solar Campus, in Leasowe.

The 3G astroturf pitch will not just be used by professional teams.

On evening and weekends it will be open to bookings from clubs and social players.

Mark Palios, co-owner of Tranmere Rovers FC, who own the site, said: "It’s a win, win.

"We have been planning this for some time, it's just a question of getting the planning sorted in conjunction with Wirral Council.

"Lots of local leagues are cut off from November to February because of poor facilities.

"That creates a backlog at the end of the season.

"In particular, Leasowe really needs more pitches that regularly fulfil its needs."

Mr Palios said he was hopeful the pitch could be in place for the start of the next football season in August.

He added: "In very wet periods, we can take teams off the grass and stick them on 3G pitches.

"If a team wants to prepare for playing on 3G they can use this pitch.

"It will also help the club by creating another income stream and taking the pressure of the grass pitches at the campus."

A statement from the plan's architects, SDA Architecture said: "The proposed development is indicative of TRFC's ongoing and and increasing success."

The statement added there was clear demand for this new pitch and noted the range of facilities on offer at the site.

After a recent refurbishment, Solar Campus includes a state-of-the-art gym, classrooms, physiotherapy and recovery rooms, changing and shower rooms and a nutrition hub.

The firm was also keen to stress the contribution Solar Campus makes to the local community.

SDA Architecture added: "The site is well used by a range of local sports clubs and schools and is also made available to the wider community through bookings.

"The proposed development would bring a further contribution to a clearly valuable asset to Wirral and the wider region."