Chris Huhne helps Football Foundation deliver new kits to school children » Communities » 24dash.com

Chris Huhne MP helped Quilley School of Engineering’s football-mad youngsters celebrate after they were awarded a brand new football kit by the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity.

The new Nike kit worth £400 was awarded to the team as part of the Foundation’s Junior Kit Scheme. This provides new strips and equipment to teams across the country and is fronted by Arsenal and England star Theo Walcott.

The Football Foundation provides £1m worth of kit and equipment vouchers to junior clubs and schools, ensuring young players of all abilities have the best possible start in the game.

Items available include a full strip, training bibs, balls, flags and kit bags – everything a young footballer needs to play the game. A female range is also now available to encourage girls to get involved in the game.

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country.

Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget going straight into the heart of football.

Chris Huhne MP, Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, said: “I am delighted that the pupils of Quilley School are benefiting from this scheme. I send my thanks to the Football Foundation for this fantastic gift – it is very important that young footballers are properly supported.    I encourage other schools in Eastleigh to apply as well.”

Theo Walcott, England and Arsenal FC striker and Ambassador for the Football Foundation’s Junior Kit Scheme congratulated Quilley School of Engineering, saying: “I know how important it is for young players to feel they are wearing the best kit when running out on the pitch.

"The JKS is a great opportunity to get free kits from the Foundation, which I wear in the Premier League, so congratulations to Quilley School of Engineering.”

Apply online for the Junior Kit Scheme or find out more about all the Football Foundation’s funding schemes by visiting www.footballfoundation.org.uk