AROUND 70 jobs could be created in Newport with the arrival of one of the UK's fastest-growing sportsgear companies.

Sports Soccer is planning to move into a two-storey building on the city's biggest edge-of-town commercial development.

The company has already begun advertising for staff for the move to Newport Retail Park, Spytty Road, where several companies, including Tesco, Boots and The Range are well-established.

Within two days of the company's advertising for staff in the Argus, it had received 50 e-mail applications.

Sports Soccer sells a range of products, not just football, from all major manufacturers. It aims to offer competitive prices.

"With around 1 million sq. ft. of trading space and an aggressive expansion plan, Sports Soccer is one of the most rapidly-growing retail outlets in the UK," a company spokesman said.

"Our stores offer a unique mix of sporting wear equipment and accessories. Bran-ches have many dedicated areas, including juniors, ladies, football, golf and tennis."

The Newport premises will cover 15,000 sq. ft. on two floors and the company plans to open in November. There are a couple of other stores in Wales, inlcuding one in Cardiff. The company is advertising for a processing and replenishment manager, floor supervisors, cashiers, sales assistants, a cashier/ administrator and part-time staff.

"With over 120 retail units nationwide, Sports Soccer is now firmly established as the number one sports retailer in the UK," the spokesman said. "This success has been achieved largely through the high quality of its staff."

Many in Newport's commercial property sector are hoping that the arrival of Sports Soccer signals re-newed interest in Newport Retail Park as a result of the city's nearby Southern Distributor Road, now being built.

The SDR, which will link the Coldra and Ebbw Bridge, also passes the new 28East retail park alongside Docks Way, which should also benefit from congestion-free and therefore more attractive links. Woolworth's first Big W store opens here next month.

Applications for the Sports Soccer vacancies, including CVs, should be sent to Brian Stowcroft at 19, East Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3LJ, or by e-mail at jobs@sports-soccer.co.uk using the subject line 'Newport'.