A netball coach who has inspired generations has had a sports facility named in her honour.
Val Kennedy, who spent more than 40 years with Haxby Netball Club, was celebrated at the official opening of the newly refurbished Val Kennedy Courts at Ethel Ward Playing Fields in Haxby on Saturday.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and Lord Mayor of York Margaret Wells were in attendance for the opening.
The modern, accessible, multi-sport facility was developed to serve the whole community, including Haxby Runners, Haxby Town FC, Haxby Town JFC, and the netball club.
Ms Kennedy said: "I fell in love with it then and it's been with me forever.
"Years later, about six or seven of us got together while taking our children to school.
"In the playground there was a netball court, and we were chatting to each other, saying, I used to play netball at school, let's form a club. So we did.
"I'm just happy to pass on the passion that I had.
"To give somebody the pleasure of being in a team - it teaches people how to win, how to lose, how to become teammates."
At the heart of the club since it was set up in 1980, Ms Kennedy served as chair until 2022 and mentored netball umpires across York, helping them earn England Netball qualifications.
The netball club, alongside other community groups, worked with Haxby Town Council, businesses, volunteers, and funding partners to transform deteriorating courts into a safe and inclusive space for sports.
Marion Willis, current 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 Val celebrates that contribution and helps carry that legacy forward."
Haxby resident Sarah Schiewe said: "It was a very special day for Haxby.
"So many people have worked hard to make the courts accessible and available to the different sporting groups.
"It was especially emotional to welcome Val Kennedy, the original court founder, back to cut the ribbon."
Ruth Pearson, chair of Haxby Town Council, told the BBC: "The Val Kennedy Courts represent far more than a sports facility.
"They demonstrate what can be achieved when a community works together.
"We are delighted to celebrate the completion of this first phase and the tremendous efforts of everyone who helped make it happen."
The courts were officially opened by York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith, who praised the project for securing a sporting future for the community.