AT A time when professional clubs are finding it difficult to train anywhere, Filton College has thrown open its doors to Bristol Rugby, Bath Rugby, Bristol City and Forest Green Rovers.

Filton College has the only indoor astroturf in the region and this facility has been the difference between inactivity and maintaining match fitness for many of the professional clubs.

Simon Panes, Director of Sport at Filton College, said: “Filton College’s sporting facilities are some of the best in the country and are always in demand but when we were approached by our local clubs who were desperate to find facilities we wanted to pull the stops out to assist.

On Monday the facilities were used by the ECFA (England Colleges Football Association) to host England Colleges FA versus Welsh Colleges FA.

Sara-Jane Watkins, vice principal, said: “We are more than happy to offer our assistance to local and national clubs.

“Our indoor astroturf pitch is the only one in the area and is the perfect training facility during times of bad weather.”