Leading law firm Dickinson Dees LLP has supported Dunnington Under-9s football team, enabling them to field a side in the York and Mitchell Sports League this season.

The sponsorship money has allowed David Hendry, coach of the Dunnington youngsters, to purchase a brand new kit which was presented at a special ceremony at Dunnington football ground.

Showing his support for the U9s, former York City striker Richard Cresswell, who now plays for Premiership side Stoke City, also attended along with Hendry and Philip Ashworth, corporate partner at Dickinson Dees in York. Said Ashworth: “It is extremely important to Dickinson Dees to be part of the community in which we work. This is very much part of the firm’s culture and an essential element of the firm’s ethos.

“Since we opened our Yorkshire office in York at the beginning of last year, we have built up some excellent relationships across all sections of the community and we are delighted to have been able to assist such a deserving cause.

“We wish them the best of luck when they start their League matches in January.”

Dickinson Dees’ backing was hailed by Hendry.

“This has made the world of difference to us, enabling us to enter our U9s in the local league for the first time and the youngsters are overjoyed,” he said.

“We have some fantastic sports facilities here at Dunnington, among the best five or six in the York area, and we aim to make the most of them.

“That includes fielding as many teams at all age levels in the local league as possible.

“We have some super young players here and they can only benefit from the support of local firms like Dickinson Dees.”

The York office of Dickinson Dees is based at the Chocolate Works in Bishopthorpe Road and has expanded significantly since it first opened in February 2007.