JUNIOR Football Club coaches received the perfect Christmas present to help them keep warm on the touchlines this winter.

The North Yorkshire-based Modern Law Magazine have funded training tops for the 30 coaches at Bedale Junior Football Club.

The club has grown considerably over recent years and now provides football for boys and girls aged from six to 18 as well as very popular bumblebees sessions for three to five-year-olds.

It has its own grounds on Firby Road, Bedale, and runs 15 teams playing in leagues and tournaments across North and West Yorkshire, Teesside and County Durham.

Martin Smith, project manager at Modern Law Magazine, visited a coaching session to present the tops and explained why the company had decided to make the generous offer.

He said: “We are a local based company and feel it is important to give something back to the community.

“The number of children who benefit from Bedale Junior Football Club is amazing. The club couldn’t do that without the dedication of the coaches and we felt that was something worth supporting.”

The club currently has over 300 children attending weekly training and match sessions and all coaches at the club are qualified from FA level 1 up to Level 3 Uefa B standard.

The club also offers a pathway for teenagers to qualify as referees and coaches themselves – a valuable addition to CVs for those looking at sports-based careers or applying for University, College or apprenticeships.

Club chairman Alan Moodie said: “we are very grateful for this generous gesture by Modern Law Magazine.

“Our coaches are out in all weathers and these tops will keep them warm and easily identifiable on the touchline.

“We are run entirely by volunteers and the support of local businesses is very important in allowing us to provide football for as many children as possible whatever their ability.”

For more information about joining the club or supporting as a sponsor or volunteer visit the club’s Bedale Junior Football Club Facebook site.