A FOOTBALL team’s new home has finally been opened after a five-year wait.

The Five Mile Drive pavilion, which is used by Summertown Stars Football Club, was opened by city councillors and an MP last week.

Layla Moran stood alongside councillors Louise Upton, Steve Goddard, Liz Wade, Gunnar Niels, Andrew Gant, Paul Buckley and the chairman of the football team to kick-off the opening celebrations.

Inside, the new £90,000 facilities boast a social area, toilets and a kitchen.

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They will be used mainly by the football team, which is working to secure a long-term lease, but will also be used as a polling station for the Wolvercote ward during elections.

The building was funded jointly by Oxford City Council and the football club.

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Speaking at the opening, Summertown Stars chairman Gunnar Niels said: “Five Mile Drive has been the spiritual home to Summertown Stars since the 1970s, and 200 girls and boys play there every weekend (the other teams playing at Cutteslowe Park). Five years ago the previous pavilion was demolished and nothing put in its place.

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“We are delighted that we can now offer basic facilities and also drinks and food to all the players and parents.

“We are grateful to the council and also the local residents for their support.”

Summertown Stars is one of the largest youth football teams in Oxfordshire with more than 700 playing members.

Tony Rosser, one of the club founders in 1973, attended the ceremony with his wife Cherry and said a few words.

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Oxford West and Abingdon MP Ms Moran also spoke, praising the dedication and patience of the football squad.

Louise Upton, city council cabinet member for Healthy Oxford, said: “It has taken a while but we now have a fine new pavilion by the pitches and play areas of Five Mile Drive.

“It is a great example of council and community working together – Summertown Stars FC have been fantastic partners.

“They are a very successful club with over 50 teams for girls and boys of all ages.

“The new pavilion provides decent toilets and a space for parents to keep warm and dry – it is going to be very welcome over the coming months and years.”