A TEAM of young footballers have a smart new kit following a sponsorship deal with property firm, Dacre, Son & Hartley.

The Ilkley headquartered business has provided match kits for the 15 boys who play for the Under 11s Ilkley Town Harriers squad, which is coached by Mick Eardley.

Most of the team live locally in Ilkley and Wharfedale, and they train every Saturday morning and play competitive matches on a Sunday. The team play nine aside games in the Under 11s Craven, Aire and Wharfedale Junior League.

Mick said: “The club is going in a really exciting direction with significant investment in the new 4G artificial pitch last year, and growing numbers. There are around 500 players from under fives through to veterans, and I coach the Under 11s team.

“Our players are a mixture of abilities and go to at least five different schools. They all share a love of football and our moto is ‘everyone plays with a smile’. We have lost just one game in the league this season so far, which is a result of working hard as a team, being well organised in set positions and most of all enjoying ourselves.”

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential sales at Dacre, Son & Hartley, said: “It’s a smart, new blue kit, and I am sure the boys will wear it with pride. Our business has been rooted in Wharfedale and Airedale for almost 200 years, and its essential businesses like ours back the local sports clubs that do such great work with our young people.

“We are currently lending our support to Ilkley Rugby Club, Ben Rhydding’s Hockey Club, Guiseley Juniors Football Club, Burley Trojans Juniors Football Club, Prince Henry's Grammar School’s football teams and Otley Rugby Club, and are honoured to see so many talented and dedicated youngsters involved in grassroots sport showcasing our brand.”