Scotland national coaches Craig Levein and Anna Signuel were at the site of the former Ravenscraig steelworks today to open a new state-of-the-art sporting facility.

The £32 million Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility was launched with a weekend of sporting fun including a 24-hour football tournament, taster fitness classes, and an attempt to hold the biggest ever Zumba class.

Craig and Anna joined local primary children to kick off the 24-hour charity football tournament in aid of the St Andrew’s Hospice.

Craig Levein: “Facilities are a key element of Henry McLeish’s Review of Scottish Football and an integral part of improving the stream of young talent into the Scotland national teams.

“As we’ve seen with similar centres in Glasgow and Aberdeen, a facility like the one here at Ravenscraig has the potential to have a massive impact on football at all levels, and the local community in general.

“From my point of view, giving players access to good quality public facilities around the country can only be a good thing for the future of the national team.”

Anna Signeul: “The importance of state-of-the-art facilities like this can’t be overstated as we continue to develop the women’s game in Scotland.

“Ravenscraig will be of great benefit across the women’s football pathway,  from our regional squads through to the national teams.

“We’re bringing two women’s youth international matches here in November - just a few years ago it would have been a distant dream for our young players to get access to a facility of this quality.”

The new facility, which is operated by North Lanarkshire Leisure on behalf of the council, boasts a full-size indoor and a full-size outdoor 3G football pitch and six floodlit outdoor 5-a-side pitches.

Athletics also forms major part of the complex with a six-lane, 135m running track, throw and jump areas and a strength and conditioning area for athletes.

There’s also a multi sports hall with nine badminton courts, a huge fitness gym with top of the range Technogym equipment, dance studios and a sports injuries clinic.

For more information visit www.nlleisure.co.uk or phone 01236 437756.