YORK Acorn ARLC are set to celebrate their 30th anniversary in style this weekend.

Even though the senior XIII have no Arriva Trains Conference game, the Blue and Golds are putting on a big birthday bash at the clubhouse tomorrow night, the event coinciding with the official opening this weekend of the club's new £200,000 facilities.

Acorn, who were formed in September 1973, playing their first game against the Three Tuns in the York and District Sunday Morning League, have grown into a strong National Conference League club with two open age teams, junior and youth teams from under-9s upwards and a women's team.

They have been building an extension at their Thanet Road headquarters for some time and the finishing touches were being completed this week.

The new facilities include three more changing rooms, including specific facilities for women, a new gym, a referees' room and a physio room, all paid for by the club at a cost of nearly £200,000. As reported, the club are hoping to continue improving their facilities.

To celebrate their birthday and this official opening, all friends of Acorn are invited to the party on Friday night, starting at 7pm.

Current players, ex-players, coaches, officials, committee men, family and supporters are all expected to join in the fun. Admission is free and entertainment will be provided by girl group Sistermatix.

Updated: 08:57 Thursday, December 04, 2003