WOLSINGHAM Football Academy has received sponsorship from a local developer currently building in the village.

Beechwood Developments has been converting the St Ann's Convent site into 38 new homes and is helping the academy get kitted out.

The firm has sponsored three sets of kit that will be used for league and friendly matches.

Neil Wilson, chairman of the academy, was delighted with the strips. He said: "The funding has completely paid for the strips, which is a real bonus.

"This will enable our players to look professional and will give them confidence that the town and local businesses are behind them."

The academy, which started in 1999, has 90 members aged from six to 16.

Work concentrates on training and coaching, but this year a team has been set up and will play in the Russell Foster Tyne and Wear youth league.