Northbank Football Club Under-7s manager Dan Ross says it's great to help youngsters get involved in football.

Having received a £300 donation from the News & Star Charitable Trust Fund, Ross has been using the money to help get the Under-7 team up and running.

The money has gone towards numerous things, such as training and playing facilities for the young players to use.

Ross said: "The donation helps to pay for the essential stuff to help run a football team.

"It pays for equipment, such as footballs and cones, all that little stuff, really.

"The booking of the sports hall is quite a big booking and it can be quite costly. It's contributed quite well to that."

Ross added it was good to receive some local support.

He said: "It keeps football in the community and helps grassroots football a lot.

"The amount of gear you have can make a good training session and I can tell the kids are benefiting from the gear they've got."

Mick Nolan Property Services were also praised by Ross for helping to pay for Northbank's very own kit.

He added: "Mick Nolan Property Services were good enough to donate around £400 I think to buy the kit and get it badged up and everything."

On being able to give the young footballers the opportunity to enjoy football, he said: "The kids love it.

"At their age - they are only six or seven years old - and they just love to kick a ball about, rather than take football too seriously.

"It just gives them a few years of freedom with a football."

Northbank has football teams for both boys and girls in various age groups, ranging from 6-18 years of age.

Their senior team play in the Northern Football Alliance Premier Division.