JUNIOR footballers have been boosted by a £1,000 donation after their team were deemed to be community champions.

Eastleigh Pearls’ under 13s girls side have used some of the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme money to buy a ‘fantastic new training kit’.

They intend to use the rest to upgrade their training equipment during spring.

Coach Mick O’Connor said: “Without funding like this grassroots teams like ourselves struggle as we are self-funding, relying on weekly subs from parents.

“We have treated the girls to a fantastic new training kit and will be upgrading our training equipment.”

In their third season of competitive football, the team plays in the South Manchester Girls League at lunchtime on Saturdays, with home games at Hawkhurst Park in Leigh.

They are looking to recruit new players for when they move up to 11-a-side at the end of the season.

Girls need to be currently in year seven or eight at school and players of all ability levels will be made welcome.

Anyone interested in joining the team should contact coach Michael Benson on 07970 115424.