YOUNG football players will be stepping out on to the pitch in the new year with new strips.

Auckland Youth and Community Centre's football team, which is setting up a friendly league against other teams in the area, were given the kits by Bishop Auckland College.

Wayne Brown, a community physical activity co-ordinator at Woodhouse Close Community Centre, in Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland, said that the strips made the team look professional.

He said "Having these strips means we can finally set up a friendly league against other Wear Valley Sports Action areas such as Coundon, Wolsingham, Crook, Stanhope, St Helens and Henknowle.

"The strips are vital as they will make the league look more official and formal and the lads are delighted to have them.''