AN American football club in Chester-le-Street for youngsters is getting £1,000 from Cestria Community Housing for new equipment and pitch hire.

The North Durham Knights were set up in 2013 to interest 11 to 17-year-olds in the increasingly popular sport and hopes eventually to compete in the national league.

Coach Matt Logan said: “The grant means we can buy helmets and shoulder pads so the team can play the full contact game more often - as opposed to flag football where they just learn the basic skills and the fundamentals of the sport.

“The contact sport is what most of the youngsters want to try so it’s great we will now be able to offer this option.

“With the superbowl being shown on Channel Four last month we’ve seen an upsurge in interest from youngsters who want to give this brilliant sport a try.

“With the grant from Cestria, we will be able to widen opportunities for these young people to get involved in the game.

“It’s great news for the club and the young people who play for us.”

The grant comes from Cestria’s Giving Committee, which is administered by the County Durham Community Foundation.

Christine Scott, Cestria’s assistant director of corporate services, said: “The North Durham Knights club does a fantastic job providing opportunities for youngsters from all kinds of backgrounds to try the sport."