FORMER York City second string goalkeeper Neil Sanderson is hoping that saving the reserve team will help re-establish the close links between the local football community and its professional club.

Sanderson's City Football Development Centre, which coaches York's most-promising young players, donated £500 to Billy McEwan's £10,000 appeal to carry on running a team in next season's Pontin's League.

Now he is hoping that with the reserves' immediate future safe, the side can be used as a platform to give trials to some of the best amateur players in the area.

York RI stopper Sanderson and Rowntrees' No 1 Andy Leaning were often called upon to play for the Minstermen's reserves in the mid-80s, having established excellent reputations locally.

While Sanderson failed to break through to the first team, Leaning went on to make 86 League and cup appearances for City and later had a trial with Everton before moving on to Sheffield United and also turning out for Bristol City, Lincoln City, Dundee, Chester City and Chesterfield.

Sanderson feels that without a reserve team, Howden-born Leaning may never have been given an opportunity to impress and believes that is a vital reason for answering City manager McEwan's call.

He said: "I played a bit for the reserves under Denis Smith and Viv Busby when there was more of a bond between local football and York City. They asked me to play if they were short and I made about a dozen appearances, making my debut at Molineux against Wolves alongside Marco Gabbiadini who was coming through at the time, as was Steve Senior.

"I also played with Gary Ford, John McPhail, Alan Hay and Chris Evans. In those days, there were two strong local amateur teams in York and I played for RI and Andy Leaning for Rowntrees.

"Both clubs used to get called to supply players for York Reserves and both Andy and myself played but Andy was better than me and rightfully got his chance. Without the reserves though he probably wouldn't have done and I feel it's vital to keep and strengthen that link and not let the Pontin's League team fold."

Sanderson also has first-hand experience of seeking local funding after Leeds United pulled the plug on their financial support in October 2003. The Championship club, then in the Premiership, decided to close down their Oaklands Centre in York because of deepening financial problems.

But Sanderson still wanted to provide coaching for York's talented eight to 12-year-olds and canvassed local businesses for their help.

A sportsmans' dinner raised vital money with signed David Beckham and Roberto Carlos shirts popular auction lots.

As a consequence, the City Football Development Centre was formed and now runs coaching sessions for players recommended from the Mitchell, Ryedale and Mini Soccer League.

Many of the youngsters are also on York and Leeds' books and former City player Leigh Wood is one of the coaches while ex-Minstermen legends Gabbiadini and Andy McMillan also lend a helping hand.

Updated: 10:55 Wednesday, April 06, 2005