LOCAL business Saymor Furnishers have provided sponsorship for the Ross Juniors Under 14s football team. This generous funding has allowed the club to purchase new shirts for the boys, replacing the older kit that they were rapidly outgrowing.

Keith Warner, manager of the team, said: "Ross Juniors Football Club has grown rapidly over recent years, thanks to the hard work of its volunteers, and the generosity and support of local businesses, such as Saymor Furnishers. The club provides the opportunity to the local community, not only to play football, but also to be part of a team, to develop friendships, and learn about team spirit and camaraderie."

For Keith, it is not all about winning football matches, it is about giving the children a safe environment to express themselves and grow. "Our team is not the best locally," he says, "we generally sit in the lower mid-table of the Hereford Junior Football league. Today we are 9th in a league of 12, having won only two games and lost eight. We have never been the best team in the league, but each player has progressed tremendously since myself and Haydn have been involved in the team, when the boys were just six years old".

Haydn is a coach for the team and also a Saymor employee, working in both the shop and the delivery van. He has been coaching the group of boys since they were six years old and has enjoyed watching them grow and progress. He said: "I originally got involved with coaching through my son. I enjoyed watching him play and made the decision to train as a coach. I love being involved with the kids and seeing them get enjoyment out of playing. When the old kit was reaching the end of its life, I thought it was the perfect time for Saymor to get involved, and they were keen to provide sponsorship."

Saymor are happy to be involved with local sport and managing director, David Say, is delighted to support the team. "It's great to have the opportunity to support a local team and Haydn in his passion for football which we know he loves. We wish the team success in their games this season.", he says.

For the club, Keith explains that the support of local businesses is vital. "The boys pay £30 a year, plus £2 at every training session, and £3 at every game. This soon adds up and increasing player subs runs the risk of dissuading potential footballers. All managers, coaches and committee are volunteers, but the upkeep of the sports centre and the pitches, renting all weather, floodlit pitches for winter training, and provision of kits and equipment is very expensive. Only with the kind sponsorship of local businesses is all of this possible. The team previously played in a mish-mash of second hand kit and in providing one matching kit for all players, Saymor have brought an added level of pride to the boys."