Blueprint for £6.5m football centre and health club revealed

9:13am Thursday 1st November 2007

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THIS exclusive artist's impression shows what a new £6.5m football centre and health club being built on the outskirts of York will look like.

The complex, which will create between 75 and 100 jobs, is under construction just off the York outer ring road, close to the former ikon/diva site at Clifton Moor. It is on land which was once named as a possible location for a York City stadium.

The new PlayFootball site, which will have six dedicated five-a-side pitches, two all-weather larger training facilities, changing rooms and sports bar, is due to open in February.

The Roko health club, which will be up and running in April, will boast a state-of-the-art fitness area, 20m heated indoor pool and children's pool, spa and relaxation facilities, a health and beauty suite, creche and café, and outdoor grass tennis courts.

Both will be private members' clubs.

York will be PlayFootball's ninth site in the UK, while Roko has other centres in Portsmouth, Gillingham, Bournemouth and Nottingham.

Dan Stainton, general manager of PlayFootball York, said: "I am looking forward to developing the football culture in York and welcome all ages and abilities to come and play football. This development is really exciting and will offer the best football facilities in North Yorkshire".

Mr Stainton, who lives in Wigginton, said: "The pitch surface is used by top teams, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PS Eindhoven.

"The state-of-the-art technology means that you get a natural-looking surface that performs like grass, provides cushioning to reduce stress on joints and eliminates skin burns and abrasions. The pitches will also have rebound boards for fast pace action, roof nets and floodlights."

He said PlayFootball would offer FA affiliated leagues for all age groups, from five-year-olds to veterans.

"Training facilities, coaching groups, recreational pitches for local groups and children's birthday parties will also be available", he said. "We are also keen to offer the facility for school and community-use during the day. We have a great relationship with local schools at all of our sites and would be keen for schools and community groups to enjoy the pitches during the day."