York City will hold their first pre-season friendly at Tadcaster Albion to help the club raise funds after recent flood damage.

The game on Friday July 11th will offer City supporters the first chance to catch the 2008/2009 squad in action with all gate receipts going to the home team.

Tadcaster were forced to refurbish their club house after an arson attack before Christmas and, just as the work neared completion, heavy rainfall then saw the Ings Lane venue flooded.

The fire and water damage has also led to lost revenue while the clubhouse has been closed.

But, City's gesture, coupled with a ?500 donation from supporters' group York Minstermen, should help the Northern Counties East League outfit recover from their recent traumas.

Tadcaster chairman Kevin Derry said: "It has been one thing after another and, when the River Wharfe decided to pay us a visit, it was the final straw really.

"The remarkable efforts of our members have just about put it right and we should open up again this weekend.

"Had we got professionals in, it would have cost us a few thousand pounds although it's still been far from easy financially and the clubhouse has been shut at a traditionally busy time of the year.

"It will be a difficult season and the gesture from York City is tremendous.

"It will be a big boost and help us get back on our feet as well as establish ourselves next season.

"York have had trouble themselves in the past so it is good of them to think of us in such times and respond in this way."

First-team boss Jimmy Reid echoed those sentiments and believes the prestigious fixture will aid his recruitment drive over the closed season.

He said: "It will be great to have York City kick off our pre-season campaign and it is a gesture that shows their commitment and willingness to help out in the community."

City managing director Jason McGill added: "Colin Walker has promised to take a full squad to Tadcaster and, as a community football club, we feel it is important to assist other clubs in our area, especially in times of difficulty.

"The idea was presented to us by York Minstermen and we saw a pre-season friendly as the ideal way to help."