A TRAINING ground for young footballing stars of the future opened its doors in Hartlepool yesterday.

The £425,000 sports pavilion has been built at Manor College of Technology, enabling it to become a key training centre for aspiring players in the North-East.

The pavilion features six changing rooms, three officials' rooms, a first aid room, a social area and changing facilities for disabled people.

It has been built thanks to a £342,000 grant from the Football Foundation, £43,000 from the college and £40,000 from Owton Rossmere SRB Partnership.

The college will be working closely with local groups to ensure people of all ages get the most out of the facility.

The centre was opened by Ken Watson, chairman of the governors at the college.

Headteacher Alan White said: "Manor College has always had a strong football tradition and it has long been our ambition to provide first-class facilities for both our pupils, and for youngsters and adults in the wider community.

"Now that dream has become a reality and it's a very proud day for us all. Thanks to the funding from the Football Foundation and Owton Rossmere Partnership, we can establish a regional centre of excellence for football training.

"We are also especially excited about our plans to develop girls' football, one of the UK's fastest growing sports."

The college is the home of the Hartlepool Primary School's Football Association, and the facilities will help the association's training programme to flourish.

The college will also be able to host prestigious matches, such as Schools Football Association town and county games, and it is forging a close partnership with the National Football Academy in East Durham and other organisations.