New pitch was spot on for helping children to flourish

Wearside youngsters are kicking off in style at a new £60,000 multi-purpose sports centre.

The sports-loving kids are enjoying five-a-side football at the new complex which is based at Herrington Burn YMCA.

The pitch, which has an all-weather surface plus floodlighting, is also being used for hockey, netball, and basketball.

YMCA organiser Chris Jones said the new amenity was proving popular with local teams and added to the amenities at Herrington Burn.

“Together with the £100,000 interior facelift to the YMCA, it heralds a completely new programme for our young people,” he said.

The project has been funded by the Football Trust, the Sports Council, and the YMCA’s own resources.

The ground can be rented from Monday to Friday at £5 an hour for organisations and 50p for individuals.

Pictured are John Slater, Stephen Leonard, Martin Gonzales, Tommy Wilson and Paul Greener and they are seen kicking off the action on the new pitch. Do you remember the launch of the centre and its early days? Which of the facilities have you used over the years. Or is there another aspect of Sunderland history you would like us to reflect on? If so, email chris.cordner@jpimedia.co.uk and share the memories.