ONE of Hampshire's junior football teams, which is sporting a brand new kit this season thanks to Southern Co-op, took part in its first cup game this weekend.

Cowplain Youth Football Club's Under 10s, which is not for profit and run by volunteers, took part in a cup match against Waltham Wolves.

The players have been proudly wearing a brand new football kit this season thanks to a donation from The Co-operative Food, in London Road, Cowplain - part of Southern Co-op.

Coach Andy Grossett said: "Football gives these players confidence. When they get a goal, they have achieved something. It has enabled them to play together, grow together and develop themselves as young people whilst having fun playing football.

"There has been a period of change and growth, and the young players were all using worn out tired and shared kit. This investment by Southern Co-op has meant that the team has a fresh identity. They look and feel proud."

The football club helps to provide a positive environment where the children can develop friendships and a team and community ethic. 

Gareth Lewis, the loss prevention and security manager at Southern Co-op, said: "Getting youngsters involved in football is so much more than just a way of exercising.

"It is community youth projects like this, led by parents and volunteers, that can have such a positive impact on a child's formative years.

"We were more than happy to deliver the funding needed to provide the team with football kit and tracksuits. If enthusiasm can win football matches, this team will soon be making a name for themselves!"

Chief Inspector Marcus Cator, whose son Daniel plays on the team, said: "Southern Co-op has stepped in to support Cowplain Youth U10s. This was at a time of changing and growing young players who were using worn out tired and shared kit. The team have been provided with a new home and away kit and full tracksuits for each player.

"The investment in this kit by Southern Co-op has meant that the team have a fresh identity. They look and feel proud. This kit has enabled them to play together, grow together and develop them as young people whilst having fun playing football."

To find out more about Cowplain Youth FC, email cowplainyouth@gmail.com or visit instagram.com/cowplainyouth/.

Or for more information on funding from Southern Co-op's Love Your Neighbourhood programme, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/love-your-neighbourhood/