BLACKBURN Rovers celebrated their one-year partnership with a youth project by unveiling a new football facility.
Blackburn Youth Zone invited goalleeper Jason Steele and defender Matt Kilgallon to unveil its brand new 'Mini Ewood Park', at the centre's revamped rooftop pitch.
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Acting chief executive of the youth facility Sarah Johns said: “It’s a fantastic way that we mark the first anniversary of our partnership with the club.
“It’s a massive improvement for the children, it gives them the opportunity to play football and come away from any stresses they have, it’s a home from home for them.”
'Mini Ewood Park' now has a wall of fans' pictures down one side of the pitch with pitchside logos mimicking the full-sized ground.
Finance director of Rovers, Mike Cheston said: “I am extremely proud of what we have created. You talk about these ideas and think they are great, but seeing it in the flesh is what it’s all about.”
Youth Zone members took part in a penalty shootout with the players after the unveiling, before they then signed the youngsters' shirts.
Youth Zone member Alfie Potter, 11 of Eden School, said he loved meeting the players.
He said: “It was really exciting to meet the footballers and take part, I had lots of fun.”
Mr Steele said the facility was a brilliant place to be.
He said: “What we’ve created here in the space is amazing.”
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