Warburtons, the family baker, has put Thackley on a roll with £1,000 for sponsorship of the team's Academy kit.

For the last few seasons the under-19 side has worn hand-me-down kits from the senior team, but they will start the new Northern Alliance League season in a brand new kit.

Warburtons became involved with Thackley after hearing about an initiative the club started in the summer with Immanuel College in Thackley.

The College contacted the club about forming a team as an out-of-school activity to give local teenagers something to do and as a result Thackley FC under-18s were born.

The school provide kit and playing facilities for the team with the football club running coaching sessions three times a week with up to 40 local children in attendance at each session.

"Our aim is to give the children something to do and make the club a real part of the local community," said John Boyle, manager of Thackley's senior side. "There will be a natural progression from this new team to the academy through to senior level."

Thackley's Academy side was formed four years ago with the aim of developing young players with a view to them progressing to the senior teams.

Last season they finished runners-up in the Northern Alliance under-19 League, which is made up of teams from Yorkshire and the North East, all of whose senior sides play at a higher level than Thackley.

They also beat three Conference sides and Darlington on the way to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup before bowing out to Huddersfield Town.

Boyle added: "It's fantastic that the under-19 side finally have their own kit. With the sponsorship from Warburtons the team looks like a side to be reckoned with."

Tom Sugden, of Warburtons Yorkshire Bakery, said: "Thackley FC works with the local community and promotes an active lifestyle, two initiatives close to the heart of Warburtons. We are delighted to support Thackley with its academy kit and wish them every success in future competitions."