Bradford City assistant manager Wayne Jacobs has helped to open a new games arena as part of a £77,000 community project.

The football club’s charity partner, One In A Million, has been working with young people for more than two years to create the games area in the heart of the Canterbury estate.

Mr Jacobs, who co-founded One In A Million, joined community hero, 74-year-old Ronnie Burnett to open the all-weather arena on Saturday.

He said: “It has been fantastic for me that the youngsters have been so involved in helping their community.

“It just shows what can be achieved with a bit of help and guidance and it is a privilege to be here to see the facility opened.”

The Multi-Use Games Arena (MUGA) stands in an area of land at The Arc community centre which used to be blighted by litter and drugs needles.

When youngsters were asked what they would like to see there, they said somewhere to play – and set about turning their dreams into reality.

They were involved in applying for grants for the arena, which includes basketball hoops, a five-a-side football pitch and a tennis court.

One In A MIllion has also employed full-time development worker James Reid to encourage members of the community to get involved in sports and arts activities.

Thomas, “TJ” Stokes, 18, who grew up on the Canterbury estate, was involved from the start.

He said: “From the beginning, we have tried to develop the community centre as much as possible and the MUGA is the main part of it. It has started us on the ladder and has given us a great sense of pride to be involved with.”

Robert Carr was at the family fun day to mark official opening with daughters Shannon, nine, Chloe, ten, and Tina, 14.

The 37-year-old chef of Dawnay Road, Canterbury, described the games arena as “brilliant.”

Ronnie Burnett, of Nene Street, was invited to the opening because of his work in Canterbury for nearly 40 years. He said: “This is a diverse community and everybody can learn from each other about getting respect and giving respect.”