SIR Alex Ferguson has given his seal of approval to Altrincham’s latest ambitious initiative by officially opening their new Community Sports Hall at the J. Davidson Stadium.

The presence of one of the most revered figures in world football was hailed by Alty chairman Grahame Rowley as an "entirely fitting" way of launching a facility that was completed shortly before Christmas.

The former Manchester United manager was shown round by Rowley before unveiling a commemorative plaque to declare the hall officially open, and wishing Alty continuing success both in the Vanarama Conference and in their ever-expanding community endeavours.

Ferguson said: “This new community sports hall at Altrincham FC is going to be an invaluable resource for the club and community for years to come. It will provide opportunities for children and adults to get involved in sport regardless of the weather.

"The hall also doubles to cater for match day hospitality, which will act as a springboard for the club to grow commercially.

“The money to make all this possible has come from the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund, which is delivered by the Football Foundation and funded by the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England. That is a strong and important partnership as every footballer ultimately starts out at the grassroots.

“This sort of project is the perfect example of how the Football Foundation is working with its funders to provide football clubs with facilities that get more people playing sport, support football clubs’ excellent community outreach work and create talent pathways through which promising youngsters can progress.”

Alty bosses were elated by Ferguson's agreement to open the multi-purpose single-storey building.

Rowley said: "There was much debate about who should conduct the opening ceremony, but you simply cannot get a bigger name anywhere in football than Sir Alex Ferguson. We couldn’t possibly have wished for anything or anyone better.

"To have someone of his standing and world renown attending the J.Davidson Stadium and opening what we believe is a very prestigious facility in the Trafford Borough is entirely fitting. It is the perfect culmination of so much hard work and dedication by a lot of people."

The drive to try and fund building costs estimated at around £750,000 began in earnest in October, 2013.

As well as the funding organisations, Alty supporters also provided the final £10,000 to enable the main hall to be fitted with widescreen television screens and the latest in sound technology.

Following an appeal for financial assistance, the club was oversubscribed with supporters pledging £100 each and sending the total beyond the £10,000 target.

"It was heart-warming to see that, and it really underlined how enthusiastically the hall has been received," added Rowley. "The club are extremely thankful to everyone who has played a part in bringing what was an ambitious and forward-thinking idea to fruition."