YORK City are getting shirty with youngsters from Canon Lee School.

The club have linked up with the nearby secondary school in the search for design ideas for next season's new kits.

The Minstermen, as reported in the Evening Press, have recently signed a new kit deal with Lincolnshire-based manufacturers JSW.

The club have now turned to Canon Lee's year ten GCSE textiles technology students to provide the inspiration for the strips.

Canon Lee textiles teacher Liz Hardy said: "Normally, it would be up to myself or the exam board to devise hypothetical design briefs for the GCSE students. But this initiative gives the group the chance to work on a project where their designs go into production."

City's public relations officer, Sophie McGill, said: "This is a great way for young people in the community, many of whom are fans, to get involved with the club and contribute towards designing the kit for their local team."

The club are also asking Minstermen fans to send in their design ideas, with further details to be announced in the match day programme on sale for the home game with Lincoln City next Saturday.

Meanwhile, City's commercial manager, James Richardson, explained the reasons behind City's decision to switch kit-makers.

The deal with Admiral finishes at the end of this campaign and the current red home strip, now two seasons old, was due for a change in any case.

But the decision to switch to JSW does mean City's white away kit and the little-used blue shirt, both launched this season, will be out of date a year early.

Richardson said after six years with Admiral it was felt the time was right for a change. "Because we alternate our kit changes, home one year, away the next, a change of this nature is always going to shorten the life of one strip," he added.

"Given that more people purchase home than away, it was felt this was the best time to make the change and minimise the inconvenience to our customers and supporters.

"JSW have an excellent reputation and have made kits for us before under the brand name of Admiral. They also make strips for Gillingham, Macclesfield Town, Mansfield Town and Leyton Orient."

The new home kit will be launched around May-June, with the change strip at the start of next season.

As a result Admiral kit is now being sold at reduced prices in the club shop.

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FORMER Wimbledon, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley boss Dave 'Harry' Bassett will be the main attraction at City's end of season dinner.

The dinner, which is being held in the York and Ainsty Suite at York Racecourse, will be staged on Thursday, May 24.

Also featuring on the 'bill' will be comedian Syd Tate, with David Kendall acting as master of ceremonies.

Individual tickets or tables of 10-12 are available priced at £29 per person.

To book your place or for more information, contact James Richardson on 01904 624447 extension 6 or 07885 564708, or e-mail james.richardson@ycfc.net

THE end of season dinner should not be confused with the one being organised to bring the curtain down on Wayne Hall's testimonial year.

Ginner's Dinner will still be staged on May 2 at York Racecourse, despite the announcement that Leeds United's reserve team fixture with Liverpool at Bootham Crescent has been rearranged for that date.

The dinner was originally scheduled to take place this Tuesday but was put back after City rearranged their postponed Division Three clash with Darlington for the same night.

BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration will be the special guest, a comedian will also be in attendance and Neil Midgley will serve as MC.

For ticket details contact Graham Bradbury on 01904 430036 or 01904 708330.

AS IF being ruled out for three weeks with a thigh strain isn't bad enough, Wayne Hall picked up some more unfortunate bruising as he was being stretchered from the field in last Saturday's match with Hartlepool.

As a prostrate Ginner reached the tunnel one of the City youth players lost his grip and dropped the stretcher, sending Hall flying.

To make matters worse I understand the butter-fingered teenager was none other than Mark Hampshire - the youth team goalkeeper!

MIDFIELDER Lee Bullock's strong return to senior duty was reflected this week when he was named in the Nationwide League Division Three team of the week.

City's rearranged Avon Insurance League Cup tie at Halifax Town on Monday kicks off at 2pm.