New community sports facility opening in York town

Val Kennedy (pictured with Tracey Neville, one of the leading figures in English netball) will be at the official opening on Saturday, October 3 in Haxby (Image: Contributed)

A NEW multi-sport facility is set to open in a York town and has been named in honour of someone who spent more than 40 years helping women and girls enjoy and compete in one of the games to be played there.

The Val Kennedy Courts will open at 11am on Saturday, October 3 at Ethel Ward Playing Field in Haxby.

Haxby Netball Club, Haxby Runners, Haxby Town FC and Haxby Town JFC will all benefit from a modern accessible venue, which will help people of all ages to get active.

The clubs collaborated with local businesses, volunteers, Haxby Town Council and funding partners including North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England, to transform what were deteriorating netball courts into a safe and accessible facility to be used by all the sports clubs for generations to come.

Marion Willis, chair of Haxby Netball Club, said: "It’s a really exciting time for Haxby Netball Club.

"The courts have been at the heart of the club since 1980 and giving them a new lease of life means they can continue to serve future generations.

“Val has spent more than 40 years helping women and girls discover and enjoy netball in Haxby and across York.

"Naming the courts after her celebrates that contribution and helps carry that legacy forward."

The Val Kennedy Courts open on October 3 in Ethel Ward Playing Field, Haxby (Image: Contributed)

The ceremony will be attended by Val and conducted by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, whose Movement Fund supported the project.

The event will include community activities and will be open to residents, former and current players, and supporters.

Fundraising will also begin for phase two of the project, which aims to redevelop the pavilion into the Haxby Community Sports & Wellbeing Pavilion.

The vision includes expanded space for women and girls in sport, improved community areas, and better facilities to support the hundreds who use Ethel Ward each week.

Ruth Pearson, chair of Haxby Town Council, said: "The Val Kennedy Courts represent far more than a sports facility.

"They demonstrate what can be achieved when a community works together.

"We hope residents will join us not only to celebrate the opening but also to learn about and help shape the next phase of our vision for Ethel Ward Playing Field."

Residents, sports clubs, community groups and organisations are encouraged to take part and help shape the future of the site.

A town council spokesperson said: "We are excited to announce that there will be a public display of ideas on Saturday, October 3 at the Pavillion for how we could bring the building back into regular use.

"We hope investment in the pavilion, sports facilities, and Mancroft Open Space will mean there is more to do in the community and ensure there are more spaces and opportunities for young adults to be involved with clubs and sports in the village."

A display of redevelopment ideas will be available at the event, and attendees will be invited to share feedback.