A YOUTH football team has been given a boost after securing their very first sponsorship deal and new kit from a town centre shopping centre.

Castle Dene Shopping Centre has announced it is supporting Easington Colliery Youth Football Club’s under nine age group team.

They are just one of the club’s age range teams, from six to 18.

Last season the club finished tenth in its league and took part in three tournaments.

The club expressed its thanks to the centre for its support as it has never previously had a sponsor.

Officials say the lads are raring to get onto the playing field in their new gear for the new season.

The Easington Colliery players will also be taking part in the shopping centre’s events and activities throughout the year to help raise further funds for their club.

Castle Dene centre manager Suzanne Chaney said: “It’s fantastic to see so many youngsters involved in sport and we are extremely proud to be featured in the new kit.

“We are a shopping centre that prides ourselves on community engagement and we will be routing for the lads all the way this season..”

Further news of events at the centre are available via www.castledeneshoppingcentre.co.uk