A NON-COMPETITIVE under 8s football team are in need of coaches, first-aiders and referees.

Crook Town Juniors formed not for the prizes but for the love of the game.

They plan to expand year-on-year outside of the area's established youth teams and are searching for volunteers to join in the weekend friendly matches.

Gareth Lavender from Crook, who manages the team, said: "We are just starting out and have joined the Russell Foster Youth League of under 8s in Sunderland.

"We met with Crook Town FC and they were already looking to form a junior team so we basically collected a group of kids who had missed out, for whatever reason, on playing for more established teams in the area and started with some friendlies."

Crook Town Juniors were bought a new strip by Frank Mason, owner of Prince Bishop Garage, who paid over £200 to show his support.

Mr Mason said: "They approached me for a contribution and it was only a couple of hundred quid, so I said: absolutely, no problem'."

Mr Lavender said: "Frank has been outstanding to the kids. He put his hand in his pocket and bought the strips.

We are now joining Crook Town FC as a satellite club with a view to starting a new team every year."

Those interested in joining the team should contact Gareth Lavender on 07799005400.