A ROMSEY company has shown its support for grassroots football by backing a children's team.

Hampshire Mobility Services, which is based in Abbey Walk, in Church Street, has teamed up with housing association Abri to fund 'Millbrook Munchkins', a foundation group of Millbrook F.C.

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The investment will help cover the costs of equipment, pitch hire and specialised training and provide a viable training environment for young players to enhance their skills.

The group meets on Saturday mornings at Millbrook's Test Park Sports Facility, and more than 20 children are managed by the group. 

It provides free football sessions to children, normally aged three to five years old. The courses are all-inclusive and accommodate kids with differing abilities. 

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Club secretary Mark Puleo said: "This is the first taste of football for these young children and, as a club, we hope this continues through their childhood and into adulthood within Millbrook FC. Our aim is not only to coach football but to have a positive impact on their progression as young adult."

The new programme will also assist youngsters in learning and developing self-esteem and respect for others, as well as learning about teamwork and building a positive relationship between parents and kids.

So far, Hampshire Mobility Services has invested £1,000 in the group, but this is not the first time they have funded a local group. 

Over the last four years, the firm has supported three young teams located in the Millbrook district of Southampton to help grow them into a team that currently participates in the National Junior Premier League.

Director of Hampshire Mobility Services Kevin Fry said: "We hope the children and their parents benefit from the funding. 

"In the future, we hope to fund specialised training for children during their school holidays.

"I wish the children could develop the skills they need and become football stars."

Kevin hopes the new investment will help the local club grow and give the young children somewhere to go, keeping them off the streets.

A spokesperson for Abri said: "It’s great to see Millbrook Munchkins receive this funding, helping children in Millbrook engage in football, develop confidence, and help prevent social isolation." 

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Kimberley Barber