Washington Football Hub in Sunderland has received a multi-million pound boost to support grassroots sports in Wearside.
The improved multi-sports hub has been unveiled by Sunderland AFC former and current players Jimmy Montgomery, Gary Bennett, Alim Ozturk and Duncan Watmore.
It has been funded by Sunderland City Council and The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
Washington Football Hub general manager Alex Rumbold said:
“It’s so important to have this funding here in the North East to give these young kids a place to play football away from the streets.
“On Saturdays we get about 2,500 people from all ages playing and it’s just the best thing in the world. I love seeing people here enjoying football.”
The Football Foundation investment into the hub has seen the creation of 10 3G pitches and a new refurbished building fitted with dressing rooms, a café and social and educational areas.
The investment has renovated facilities at Northern Area Playing Fields Washington, Downhill and Ford Quarry.