TOP-CLASS soccer facilities are set to lure the future David Beckhams and Rio Ferdinands to Huddersfield.

Huddersfield Town's academy chief, Gerry Murphy, took charge of the stunning new indoor pitch at Leeds Road Playing Fields yesterday.

And as well as hosting training sessions for talented youngsters throughout the winter, the half-sized synthetic turf pitch will also be available to the public.

The £1.3m sports complex includes six new changing rooms - replacing the existing 1930s facilities - as well as offices, seminar rooms and a bar.

Youngsters who have until now had to train and play in the depths of winter will be protected from the British weather on the covered 60yd by 40yd pitch.

"When we are trying to recruit young players, parents will look at the facilities. I am sure this will have great influence in their choosing Huddersfield Town," said Murphy.

"It must be one of the best in the country," he added

The academy squad has about 100 players aged between eight and 18.

The building came about through a partnership between Kirklees Council, Huddersfield Town and Kirklees Stadium Development.

Hockey, rugby and cricket can all be played on the versatile pitch.

The centre will open in mid-September, ready for the start of the academy calendar in October.

Clr John Smithson, Kirklees council's Cabinet member responsible for leisure, said he was delighted with the new sports complex.

He said: "It will provide a badly-needed new facility for local clubs, groups and the local community and modern changing facilities, as well as the academy for Town."

The academy squad will use the pitch on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.

At all other times it will be available for public bookings.