A YORK-BASED football club has kicked off 2020 with new team kits and matchday footballs after being awarded a donation from a local housebuilder.

York & District Schoolboys were chosen by Persimmon Homes Yorkshire as a beneficiary of its Community Champions scheme.

The initiative invites local groups and charities to bid for a match-funded donation of up to £1,000.

The voluntary-run football club will use the donation for team kits for its under-11 and U13 squads. In addition, the club will be able fund more than 15 matchday balls for use by all the teams in the club.

Matthew Brown, from York & District Schoolboys, said: “As a voluntary-run club we get no financial support from any organisations and have to fundraise ourselves.

“On behalf of the players and their parents, we are very grateful to receive Persimmon Homes’ support. A donation like this makes such a huge difference to so many youngsters who are passionate about the sport.”

Tim Nixon, sales director at Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the players at York & District Schools Football Club.”

Each month Persimmon Homes donates up to £2,000 to community groups in each of its 31 geographical operating areas.

To nominate or find out about the terms and conditions, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity