A JUNIOR football team is starting the season in style with a brand new kit.

The under-12 and under-15 boys teams at Stanley Football Club are being sponsored by the Prince Bishops Community Bank (PBCB).

The Stanley-based not-for-profit bank, which is supported by Derwentside Homes, offers financial products and services for local people including savings accounts and low- interest loans.

Some players have opened PBCB savings accounts to save for their future.

PBCB manager Lesley Richardson said: “We found out that the club was looking for a sponsor through our local councillor, Carl Marshall.

“The team, which was only established this year, had no financial support and we are always looking at ways we can support local community activities and initiatives, so it felt natural that we got involved.

“We will work with the youngsters and their families to raise awareness of the range of services and facilities we provide and look forward to hearing of their success and results on and off the field this coming season.”

Club head coach Andrew Blackwell said: “As a new club we were looking for financial backing to help purchase new strips and equipment for the players ahead of the new season.

“Our club philosophy is to use football to develop youngsters’ social, physical, psychological and technical skills, and it was a very fitting match to team up with Prince Bishops Community Bank as we both have a common goal to make a difference to the local community.”