ABOUT 50 youngsters have taken part in a community football day, which has helped promote a re-formed league in Richmondshire.

On Sunday, Spennithorne and Harmby hosted young players from the area as part of the McDonalds FA Community Football Day. The scheme is in place to celebrate community, grassroots football and serve as a recruitment opportunity for local leagues.

It was also to celebrate the newly-reformed Hambleton and Richmondshire Junior Football League, formerly known as the Wensleydale Junior Football League.

North Riding County Football Association said: “The league will hopefully benefit from the event as it looks to grow and develop, with the hope of gaining new teams, volunteers and players now a more realistic and achievable goal.”

Five teams participated in the recent event from Richmond, Northallerton, Bedale and Hambleton. The day-long event saw the young players participate in small games, fun obstacle courses and challenges.

Young referees Joe Ramsey, Adam Walker and Thomas Gilroy volunteered at the matches, in what was the first referring event for the teenagers.

The league re-brand has taken place to better reflect the location of the teams in the area. Len Scott has taken over the role of league chairman, with David Williams acting as a vice-chairman.