Part-funded by over £18,000 from the Football Foundation, the new facility includes two new junior pitches and a cricket wicket and will be open for use by the community at large as well as encouraging the development of Riccall United FC junior teams.

Also contributing to the project were Drax Power, Riccall Parish Council, Riccall United FC, the Eastern Area CEF (Community Engagement Forum) group, a Section 106 housing development agreement and local fundraising with particular thanks to singer Billy Bills.

Riccall Parish Council clerk Lindsey Ryan said: “This is the result of years of hard work, planning and fundraising and can now provide a great legacy for future generations of young people and families within Riccall and the surrounding areas.

“We continue to support the health, social and sporting activities of the community for all ages and believe that, particularly in this Olympic year, the development of grassroots sport is essential both within the district and country.”

Football Foundation chief executive Paul Thorogood added: “The opening of this new facility will provide the local community with more opportunities to take part in regular sport. Not only will the community users benefit from a state-of-the-art, quality pitch on which to play football and other sports, but they will also benefit from the health and social benefits that accompany this.”

Nigel said, 'I am delighted to be offically opening the Riccall Jubilee sportsfield. It is fantastic to see how much hard work has gone into providing an area for young people and community users to keep healthy and stay fit.'