University sports park officially opened by Howard Webb MBE

The ribbon was cut by Howard Webb MBE, world-renowned referee and York St John University Honorary Graduate, ahead of a community football match involving the University’s first team, York City Football Academy and i2i Sports.

The 57 acre site, just under a mile from the Lord Mayor’s Walk campus, includes a 3G pitch for rugby and football; a synthetic pitch for hockey and small-sided games; three netball courts and three tennis courts. There is also a grass pitch for rugby, two grass football pitches, a cricket pitch, a sprint track and a bowling green.

A new sports centre, which gained planning approval in March this year, is the next phase of an overall £7m investment. The centre will contain sports courts, changing rooms, gym facilities and conference and teaching space. It is planned to open in September 2016.

Other future facilities include eight outdoor grass pitches on ‘North Fields’ on the opposite side of the road which will be ready this autumn.

David Chesser, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a major investment for the University and is a superb facility for students and the community. The sheer scale of the site is impressive and it is in a very attractive setting, bounded by parkland, trees and the River Foss, creating a natural amphitheatre for sport and other University and community activities.

“The University reached its highest ever BUCS ranking at the end of the last season which can, in part, be attributed to these new facilities. Our investment in the sports park aims to both increase participation and the level of performance in student and community sport.

“As well as benefits to our University sports teams, these new facilities will provide lecture and learning spaces for students on sport and health related courses and opportunities to improve health and well-being for students from across the University and members of the community."