YOUNGSTERS are being helped to master some fancy footwork with professional football coaching.

Barratt Homes in York has sponsored Harrogate Town FC's Football in the Community scheme to the tune of £10,000 - with equal funding from Sportsmatch, the business sponsorship incentive scheme.

The deal means local football coaches can go into four schools each week to help youngsters learns basic soccer skills.

Barratt York's managing director, John Reed, said: "This means more local boys and girls will have the opportunity to participate in our national sport, helping to foster team spirit and fun.

I hope the youngsters in all the schools will enjoy the training and I look forward to seeing some of them playing for Harrogate Town in the future."

Harrogate Town chairman Bill Fotherby said: "The children will be encouraged to show fair play and respect for others and will also develop an awareness of the need for team play and cooperation with others."