NORTH East junior footballers are looking matchday-ready in time for an international tournament after finding a new sponsor.

Darlington Railway Athletic Football Club’s Under 15s Boys team has been invited to visit Darlington’s twin town, Mülheim in Germany, where they will be playing in style thanks to their new shirt sponsor, Darlington Round Table.

The community group has donated £850 to kit out the team in all-new matchday strips which they’ll sport in Germany as they compete against teams from seven different countries.

Darlington Round Table membership officer, Andrew Taylor-Garthwaite, said: “We’re really pleased to support the team by sponsoring their kit. All the donations we make are generated by our annual Santa's Sleigh around Darlington from money given by local people, so it’s fitting to support a local football team.

“On behalf of everyone at Darlington Round Table, we wish the team the best of luck in the upcoming tournament!”

The Northern Echo: Round Table officer Andrew Taylor-Garthwaite presents team captain Callum Middleton with the club’s new kitRound Table officer Andrew Taylor-Garthwaite presents team captain Callum Middleton with the club’s new kit (Image: Chris Barron)

The team will leave for Germany on July 9 and will spend three days playing football in Mulheim.

Emma Elder, team secretary, said: “Since we took over the team a couple of years ago, we’ve worked really hard to get things up and running, so it feels amazing to see where this team is now. We’ve gone from 28 players in the club to more than 400.

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“They are all local boys on the U15s team, so they’re very excited to represent their hometown. I’m so proud of them, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“They really look the part, and we all love how the strips have turned out. We can’t thank Darlington Round Table enough for this kind donation. It’s a lovely way for them to choose to spend this money, and I know the boys will do us proud!”

The team are now hard at work to raise the remaining funds needed to finance their trip. They will be holding a collection at Morrisons, Morton Park in Darlington, and have organised a Lads Versus Dads Darts Night at Darlington RA Club on June 22. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact the club on 01325 468125.