SWINDON Supermarine chairman Jez Webb is hoping that having a name like Dave Hockaday associated with the Swindome will help raise the profile of their state-of-the-art facility.

The former Swindon Town defender revealed to the Adver last week that he would be using the South Marston facility to run a series of football clinics before he aims to set up an academy in September.

Despite the dome, which covers a 3G playing surface, not officially being opened until next month, it is already becoming a popular destination for footballers in the community and Webb believes that Hockaday’s plans will be a big boost to grassroots football.

“There isn’t anyone else more qualified than David Hockaday. He has an amazing football knowledge,” said Webb, who admitted that the former Forest Green Rovers and Leeds United manager played a big part in his decision to put the dome in place.

“It has been a huge success.

“Officially, we are a month away from opening because we are still building the structure inside, but the demand has been overwhelming.

“People have realised how unique it is, both as a playing surface and the fact that there isn’t anywhere else like it around.

“Obviously, he is still very passionate about Swindon Town, as well as Swindon as a place to live, and I think all of us are very lucky to have someone available with the skill and knowledge that he has.

“I always wanted a 3G surface up there, not only for the (Supermarine) first team but for community use, and it was Dave who sowed the seed when he asked if we had thought about having it covered.

“He said that would treble or quadruple demand and he is absolutely right.”

Supermarine are also enjoying success on the pitch, sitting third in Southern League Division One South & West, and Webb believes the two could be linked.

“It hasn’t been done for a commercial purpose. It has been done to stabilise Supermarine Football Club,” he added.

“Because it is so unique, I think that the lads that play for us are definitely more together and they are enjoying their training sessions much more.

“Is it a coincidence that we haven’t lost in 11 league games? I don’t know.

“It is such a tough league to get out of. Every team has got quality, so to go 11 unbeaten and sit fourth in the league; we are delighted.”

To show an interest in Hockaday’s football clinics or to hire out the Swindome, contact the club by emailing supermarinefc@aol.com.