The English Football Association (FA) has opened a new mini-pitch donated by UEFA to mark the European body's Jubilee.

Much-needed facility
FA chairman and UEFA vice-president Geoffrey Thompson inaugurated the mini-pitch in the north-west town of St Helens, near Liverpool. The mini-pitch is part of a soon-to-be redeveloped park giving the community of Finger Post and Parr improved facilities.

Grassroots support
"The project will undoubtedly bring a much-needed facility to the young people in the community," said Thompson. "I look forward to the Football Association working on other projects that will give support to grassroots football, and with the aim to get more people more active, more often."

Prototype mini-pitch
UEFA's HatTrick board offered a prototype mini-pitch to each UEFA member association as European football's governing body celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2004. The mini-pitches have all been installed near association headquarters or close to, or on the premises of, a school.