SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy kick-started work on a facility to provide year-round football for the community.

The visit of the former Irish international player and manager marked the start of construction of the first indoor six-a-side football arena in the North-East.

Situated on land alongside Durham City's Archibalds Stadium ground, on Belmont Industrial Estate in the city, the £2m development will feature eight six-a-side pitches all under one roof.

It is capable of being adapted to make two academy-sized pitches, with the artificial turf surface described as the best in Europe.

Soccarena chairman Stewart Dawson, who also chairs Durham City AFC, said: "We have searched Europe to bring the very best quality surface to the North-East.

"It's the first time it is being used in Britain and we believe it's leagues ahead of any other surface used in the UK."

The facility will be available for use by works leagues, schools and youth teams, or as for training sides at Sunday league or higher level.

Mr McCarthy said: "This is a terrific facility. We have our own training academy, but I would have no qualms about using something of this standard."

Mr Dawson said the arena will include changing facilities, a bar and caf, plus a 96-space car park.

He said it will be open 363 days a year and hopes it will be ready for use in September.