'The start of something wonderful': Pride and passion as The Way unveiled to Wolverhampton's youngsters

Wolves chairman Steve Morgan spoke passionately of his belief that Wolverhampton's £6 million Youth Zone will go down as a huge success in years to come as crowds gathered to mark its opening.

Around 200 people packed in to The Way, Wolverhampton's first Youth Zone facility, for a grand opening event on Saturday.

Youngsters and parents were given the first glimpse inside the one-stop all inclusive activity centre, featuring a 4G football pitch, boxing ring, dance studio, gym, sports hall and more at the event, which also featured a performance from Black Country singer Sasha Simone, who made it to the final of The Voice last year.

Speaking after the opening ceremony, which was marked by a balloon drop and live music, Steve Morgan, who has overseen the project from the start, said: "It just feels wonderful to have it finally open, this is the culmination of a hell of a lot of work and it is everything I wanted it to be.

"When I started this journey more than two years ago, I knew it would be tough, but this is worth it all.

'It is a proud, proud moment for me."

Several organisations have thrown their weight behind the centre including Wolverhampton Homes which pledged to invest £75,000 over the next three years.

The city council is also investing more than £3m in The Way towards both the development and running costs of the project.

However, all in attendance were in agreement that it was the 50 plus young volunteers who have helped shape the style and spirit of the facility that deserved the most praise.

Emma Curran, 16, from Finchfield and a member of the Youth Zone development board, said: "Today was quite emotional for me and I think for a lot of us.

"We have been allowed to take responsibility for the site in so many ways and we have all really had our say on how it looks now.

"It is strange seeing all of these people here, we have been used to having it to ourselves.

"It feels like we have arrived in Wolverhampton now, we are really here."

Young people between the ages of eight and 19, or up to 25 with a disability, are now able to sign up and become fully-fledged members of The Way.

Aside from sports and recreation, the site also offers help with job searches, counselling and cooking.

Speaking at the opening, councillor Ian Brookfield, Mayor of Wolverhampton, said: "I really wish we had something like this when I was a young man.

"A lot of praise should be given to all of the young volunteers who have helped make this place what it is and I hope we are back here in 20 years celebrating its anniversary."

Several organisations have thrown their weight behind the centre including Wolverhampton Homes which pledged to invest £75,000 over the next three years.

The organisation – which looks after more than 23,000 homes on behalf of Wolverhampton council – was named as a founder patron of the multi-million pound project.

The City of Wolverhampton College, Marston's and Carvers were also named founder patrons.

It has also been supported by One Direction superstar Liam Payne, who comes from Wolverhampton. The singer made a surprise appearance at the centre in April last year.

Underpinning the revenue funding from The Way's founder patrons is £5.5m of capital investment from The Morgan Foundation, The Queen's Trust, St James's Place Foundation, Sport England, Garfield Weston, Football Foundation and Keltruck.

Wolverhampton council is also investing more than £3m in The Way towards both the development and running costs of the project.