Sarah, Duchess of York delighted hundreds of youngsters by posing for selfies and chatting about football at the launch of a new sports complex.
The Duchess made a special visit to Kirkburton to officially open Storthes Hall Park, the community sports facility run by Shelley Community Football Club, while on a trip to Huddersfield.
And she was greeted on the pitch by over 350 excited children under 18, who are now training and playing with Shelley CFC’s 26 junior and senior teams, Huddersfield Town Ladies, four of the Huddersfield University’s football teams and the Under-7 academy squad for Manchester City FC.
The Duchess launched the new facilities during a three-hour visit to Huddersfield which also saw her recruiting fashion students to help with a charity project in India.
The massive renovation, which included a revamped clubhouse and changing rooms, extensive range of football pitches and an improved spectator facilities was carried out thanks to grants totalling £639,167, which were given to the club by Leslie Sports Foundation, the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund, Sport England and the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.
Shelley CFC chairman Craig Leslie said: “This a proud day for everyone connected with this club.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work by a lot of people to get us to this stage but the reward is seeing so many people of all ages being able to use our fantastic facilities every week.
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve had from everybody, including the University of Huddersfield, Sport England, Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund and FSIF, in creating what we think is one of the best sports facilities in the area. “
Mark Duffell, whose son plays for the junior teams, said: “She was fantastic.
“From the moment she arrived she spent time with every group and she was just so lovely. It was a real ‘Wow’ for the kids”.
