RICHARD Cresswell - one of York City's finest-ever academy graduates - has welcomed a £3,000 boost for the youth ranks' coffers.

City 's Supporters’ Trust has donated the money for use towards the running costs of the club’s academy, which is now led by club legend Andy McMillan.

The academy, which costs more than £350,000 a year to run, identifies, nurtures and develops the very best young footballers from across York and the wider area, giving youngsters the best opportunity to grow into professional footballers with City.

Cresswell's talent was nurtured by the academy prior to a career that took in spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City, Preston North End, Leeds United, Stoke City and Sheffield United after also earning England under-21 recognition while still a Minsterman.

Now employed as City's development consultant, Cresswell said: “We are really grateful for the donation from the Supporters’ Trust towards the substantial running costs of the academy. The success of the academy is vitally important to the future of York City and the hundreds of young players who dream of one day becoming professional footballers.”

The trust’s donation has come from monies raised from the fans’ group’s golf day last year.

This year’s York City Supporters’ Trust Golf Day takes place at Pike Hills Golf Club, near Copmanthorpe, on Wednesday, July 23 with places still available and tee times having been brought forward so fans can also attend that night's pre-season friendly against Hull City at Bootham Crescent.

Anybody interested in playing should contact Graham Bradbury on 07790 470589.

Mark Granger, of the trust's golf day sponsors Pavers Shoes, handed over the cheque to Cresswell.