Youngsters at a junior football club in North Ayrshire will be looking sharp for the new season after receiving a grant for new kit.

Kilwinning Rangers 2016s hit the back of the net with £1,000 from our West Scotland region.

The funding comes as part of Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, which sees 64 good causes across the UK awarded up to £1,000 every month.

Scott Bradley, team coach at the club, said: “We are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes for this generous donation. The children will be over the moon.

“The 2016s is a very new team registered in March this year but we are already seeing a demand for the chance to train and play.

“It’s been harder than ever to raise money due to Covid-19 so this donation from Persimmon is just fantastic and will allow us to buy kit for this new team.”

The 2016s currently has 27 players aged 5 – 6 years of age with 8 coaches that all work on a voluntary basis.

Dating back to 1899 Kilwinning Rangers was the first Ayrshire club to win the Scottish Junior Cup in 1909 and is looking to maintain a steady stream of young talented players to keep up its illustrious history.

Chris Logan, managing director at our West Scotland region, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Kilwinning Rangers 2016s.

“As a club they show a clear commitment to inclusivity and the development of their children. I am sure some fresh shirts for the new season will be a big boost for everyone.”