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The next Lionel Messi or Lucy Bronze could soon play their first football matches in York, a senior councillor has said after plans received backing.
A full-size FIFA quality 3G pitch could be coming to Burnholme Sports Centre after funding was secured and approved by City of York Council.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, the authority's culture and leisure spokesperson, said the move would give people of all ages and abilities the chance to play on a state-of-the-art pitch.
Paul Bickle, of Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), which runs the sports centre, said the pitch would support local clubs and players and cater to the rising demand for women's football.
Football Foundation Chief Executive Mr Sullivan said it was part of efforts to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England.
It comes after the council's executive approved £100,000 funding for the project on Wednesday, September 9.
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The Football Foundation, which supports grassroots facilities, has awarded £709,000 in funding for the project.
The new pitch, which would replace the existing seven-a-side pitch at the sports centre, is set to go ahead subject to the council approving a planning application for the project.
New changing facilities are also included as part of the scheme.
Economy and culture executive member Cllr Kilbane said news of the funding was a great football win following York City's promotion earlier this year.
Cllr Pete Kilbane said the facilities may one day produce the next Lionel Messi (Image: Ed Zurga)
The executive member said: "We know there is huge demand in the city from players, officials and supporters for more state-of-the-art football pitches and we expect the improved facilities to be used for more than 50 hours a week.
"That’s 2,500 hours a year to be enjoyed by all types of footballers, be they walking, disabled, casual or league teams.
"Who knows? Maybe the next Lionel Messi or Lucy Bronze will be playing their first football right here at Burnholme Sports Centre."
GLL's partnership manager for York, Mr Bickle, said the project would allow them to continue making a significant investment in sports and leisure for local communities.
The manager said: "This major investment will help transform the existing multi-use games area, making way for a full-size 3G pitch that will provide a first-class environment for grassroots football.
"The improvements will help safeguard the site's long-term future and ensure it can better serve local communities for years to come, creating enhanced, high-quality all-weather facilities for people of all ages and abilities."
Football Foundation chief executive Mr Sullivan said good quality playing facilities played an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
He added: "This grant award to Burnholme Sports Centre towards developing a brand new, full-size 3G pitch is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play."