Residents will be invited to take advantage of the 3,500 capacity stadium's facilities, which were given the green light by Merton Council last week.

The new facilities include a health club, changing rooms, creche, training pitch, social club, disabled facilities, astro-turf pitch with floodlights and car parking in Poulters Park.

Building on the site in Bishopsford Road, Morden, is due to begin next month, with work expected to be finished by early next year.

The sale of Tooting and Mitcham's former ground in Sandy Lane, Mitcham, to developers will pay for the stadium.

The club's sports consultant for the ground Eric Omers said he wanted to make facilities available to schools, youth teams, adults and women groups.

"We will try to run leagues for them, complete with medals. This site will be community based. We are not just looking for excellence. As long as a child wants to try that's all we want."

He said the astro-turf pitch next to the stadium could be used for various games including football and netball.

Anyone interested should write to Mr Omers at 16 Blythe Hill, Catford, SE6 4UJ, or contact 020 8314 0344.