AN UNDER nines football team has received a grant of £350 from Pendle County Councillor Paul White.

Trawden Celtic Under 9s will use the money to buy football kit and training gear.

David Whitfield, club secretary, said: “The under nines football team are a group of lads from the Colne, Trawden and Laneshaw Bridge area.

“We are delighted this year to be setting up a new team to encourage children to get interested and actively engaged in sport, playing on a weekly basis.

"This will have health and social well-being benefit for the lads, as it not only develops their physical health and well-being but also develops social and interactive skills.

“Working as a team with other boys, from different schools, widens their social circle and helps them learn how to build relationships with others through common interest. Through a weekly structured training session, the boys learn ball skills and importantly how to take and give instructions, thereby instilling a sense of discipline.”