Leeds United star creates new ‘football factory’

The 30-year-old United and Republic of Ireland midfielder is one of the major players in a scheme to create the A1 Football factory in Knottingley.

Mr Green is one of three business partners seeking to transform a 52,000 sq ft warehouse behind the Turnpike pub on the A1 Business Park in to an indoor football centre.

They plan to create premises with at least four 3G artificial synthetic grass pitches, which will be available to local leagues and social players.

They want to establish an academy to coach promising young footballers from Castleford, Pontefract and the surrounding areas.

Work to convert the warehouse is set to get underway tomorrow. It is estimated it will be completed by early March.

Mr Green, who grew up in the Churchbalk Lane area of Pontefract, signed for Leeds United last summer after a four-year stint at Derby County.

Mr Green, who is working on the project with friends and business partners Simon Fletcher and Phil Lindley, said: “When we were growing up there was never anything like this in the Pontefract area, It will be a brilliant facility for local teams, both youngsters and adults.

“Not many professional footballers come out of Pontefract. It would be nice to get a few more recognised players.

“I just think youngsters need that extra bit of coaching and people to help them on their way.”

The www.a1footballfactory.com website includes details of the pitch hire charges.