CHESTER-based Upton Junior Football Club has received a £1,500 donation from Barratt Homes for its brand new training kit.

Barratt Homes’ contribution was made as part of The Barratt Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

The funding has gone towards brand new tracksuits for the Upton Junior FC team. Competing in the League 1 Mid Cheshire, the team is currently top of the table and looks set to walk away as champions at the end of the season.

Chester and District Standard:

David Rockall, Adult Development Lead at Upton Junior FC, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have these new tracksuits and currently high achieving in the Mid Cheshire league. 

"The lads deserve new kit as they are travelling far across the county and need to look the part and replicate many of the other teams that also play in the leagues.

“We are a community club predominately for juniors, but the adults were set up to ensure there was a pathway for the juniors to go through and carry on playing. 

"There are several players in the adults’ first and second teams that have played since they were six years old!"

Chester and District Standard:

He added: “The club brings the squad together.

"It’s good for well-being and keeping fit in the community. Many of our players are related to the construction industry in some way, so it’s fantastic to receive this sponsorship from Barratt Homes.”

Founded in 2000, the grassroots club has trebled in size over the last 15 years and now involves over 650 players in total. With players aged from as young as five to 65+, every member of staff associated with the club is there on a voluntary basis.

As well as junior teams competing in both the Chester Junior League and the Cheshire Girls League, the club also runs six varied adult age teams all playing in the local Chester and Wirral Football League, Mid-Cheshire League, and two women’s teams within the Cheshire FA Inspire League.

Training for Upton Junior FC typically takes place on Tuesdays, whilst matches will be every Saturday, both of which take place at ‘The Cheshire’ home pitch in Upton.

Rhys Nicholson, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “We are delighted to have made this donation to Upton Junior Football Club so that it can continue its great work with the local community.

“We are committed to creating a positive impact on the surrounding areas in which we build and are pleased to have been able to help the club continue to provide its members with a chance to train and play football in a safe and fun environment.”

To find out more about the club, visit the website at Upton Junior Football Club.

For more information about any developments in the area, visit the website at Barratt Homes in Cheshire.