A scheme that has been hailed as 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' has moved a step forward.

The Journal can today reveal that Kirkley and Pakefield FC will submit plans for a new £550,000 development to transform Walmer Road next week.

It comes as they 'formally lodged' notice of interest in the scheme with the Football Foundation this week. The proposals could see a new state-of-the-art 3G AGP (artificial grass pitch) installed on the grounds where K&P's youth teams and two of their senior sides currently play.

A club spokesman said: 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our notice of interest in the scheme has been formally lodged with the Football Foundation and a full application will be submitted next week after an initial consultation meeting with local residents.

'We obviously want to get the support of the local residents and hope to address all concerns and allay any fears, and will continue to consult going forward.'

K&P have been in talks with Waveney District Council and Suffolk County Council, with 'potential funders' having been identified. The club spokesman added: 'We have also had a great deal of support and assistance from Mr Perry Linsley (head teacher) and his staff at Pakefield High School. Our own efforts to raise funds continue. Every donation – large or small – means a lot to members and helps us closer to the Community Club dream becoming reality.'

On Sunday, K&P Dynamoes U14 took part in a sponsored walk from Lowestoft and Southwold to raise money for the cause, with the youngsters and parents completing the walk in three hours 15 minutes. Carol Blower and Lesley Bottoms said: 'Well done all who took part and we raised £825 for our efforts.'

On the pitch tomorrow, K&P's first team face Felixstowe and Walton at Walmer Road (3pm), before they play away at Gorleston (Emerald Park, 3PM K0) on Easter Monday. K&P Reserves are away at Wroxham Reserves tomorrow (2.30pm KO), K&P A host Waveney Reserves (2pm KO), while K&P B are away at Spexhall Reserves (2pm K0) tomorrow and away at Norton Reserves (11am KO) on Easter Monday.

n Letters of support, funding support or concerns should be sent to KPCSSC committee, Walmer Road, Lowestoft, NR33 7LE.