FANS are being urged to back Sunderland AFC's planned state-of-the-art academy to hone the club's future football talent.

Sunderland won the go-ahead for the £8m floodlit training base, earmarked for 65-acres of farmland at Whitburn Moor, north of the city, following a lengthy planning wrangle this year.

Excavators go on site next month and it is hoped the players can begin using the new facilities next season.

Cash from the club's deal with broadcaster BSkyB will help to meet the capital outlay for the building of the academy, which will provide a top-class training and educational base for budding players aged nine upwards.

But the anticipated seven-figure cost of running such a set-up has led the club to launch Academy 2000.

The venture will allow Sunderland fans to directly support the development by becoming members.

Benefits include entry into a weekly draw to win prizes of up to £1,000, with a £25,000 jackpot up for grabs once a year as well as other attractions.

Season ticket holders will soon receive an information pack, but further details are available from the Academy 2000 office, on 0191-516 6570.