Colchester United’s impressive new indoor ball arena is on the verge of being completed.

And U’s chairman Robbie Cowling believes the Tiptree facility will be a “win-win” situation for the football club and the community.

The state-of-the-art indoor dome, which is situated at Warriors’ Rest near to Colchester’s Florence Park training ground, will officially be opened next month.

The U’s are putting the finishing touches to the complex, which has cost in excess of £1m to construct over a number of years.

They have splashed out nearly £80,000 on the indoor pitch alone, in line with the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) requirements.

Colchester need to ensure the facility is up to scratch by December 31, which is the EPPP’s deadline to cement their Category Two academy status.

And Cowling believes it will help take the U’s to another level - and also sport in the wider community.

The U’s chairman said: “In having this facility, we’re investing in things for years to come.

“It’s built on a community site to be used by different groups and I see this as a win-win situation.

“It’s created something for the club that will generate more income and it also benefits the community.

“We can use it when there’s snow on the ground and it will also help us in attracting new players.”

For a full preview of the U's game with Rochdale, see Friday's Daily Gazette.