YORK City legend Andy McMillan has unveiled major upgrades at a community football club in the city.

Mr McMillan, the former academy coach for York City who also holds second place in the club’s all time appearance list, was on hand on Saturday to officially open new facilities at Haxby Town Council’s Ethel Ward football hub.

The Haxby centre has recently had vital surface improvement works at the site, which comprises of two full-size pitches; three mini-soccer pitches and 7v7 game provision.

The pavilion has also been upgraded with improvements for the changing rooms and the overall upgrade will help Haxby Town FC and Haxby JFC who regularly use the site.

A £28,710 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund made the work possible.

Mark Preston, chairman of Haxby Seniors FC and project manager, said: “We began this project when we realised the pitches were struggling to cope with the increasing numbers in junior football. To help retain players, we needed to upgrade our facilities.

“Without the fantastic support, initially from Steve Wade from North Riding FA, Phil Woodward from The FA and Haxby Town Council, then from the Football Foundation, this would not have been possible.

“Thanks also to everyone concerned in the building works, and to Andy McMillan for officially opening the facility.

“I am sure all players, young, new, old and future, will enjoy playing here so much more.”

Previously, both Haxby clubs had to carefully manage their matches and fixtures to avoid overusing and damaging the full-size grass pitches, but they now have far greater flexibility when it comes to scheduling.

HJFC will establish new teams thanks to the improved facility taking their total from 19 to 29, including two brand new girls’ sides.

Four new teams for players aged over 14 are also planned, meaning football participation for the 14-25 age group will rise by 114 per cent.