MANCHESTER Giants are delighted to be part of the new Staler Heelis sporting sponsorship programme for 2015.

The Manchester law firm will invest more than £10,000 in supporting sport at all levels across Manchester and Cheshire with individual sponsorship initiatives, ranging from the Giants to local and junior sports clubs in Trafford.

Giants players Connor Murtagh and Ingus Bankevics met 13-year-old Jake Hughes, a young cricketer who plays for Lymm Cricket Club, 10-year-old Matthew Thornhill who plays for Timperley Juniors FC and Richard Hughes from Slater Heelis LLP to launch the initiative.

Mr Hughes said: “Our business has always operated very much at the heart of the community and we understand just how vital sport is to people of all ages.

"Sport brings people together, encourages self-esteem and has even been proven to boost lifelong learning.

“We strongly believe in giving back to local clubs who are much in need of support and we are proud to see our name associated with a wide range of projects in the region, from the high flying professional world of the Manchester Giants to the grassroots, muddy Sunday mornings of junior football.”

John Dwan, CEO of Manchester Giants, said: “Without the continued support from businesses like Slater Heelis, many grassroots, and even professional sports programmes would really struggle to survive.

"Supporting sporting clubs and facilities is a great way for companies to really put their money where their mouth is and to help keep their community engaged, active and healthy.”

Slater Heelis LLP will be funding a wide range of sporting clubs and projects across Greater Manchester with the company's name displayed on the Giants' backboards and pads.

They will also back a mobile app and parents' handbook for Timperley Junior Football League, the kit for Timperley Junior FC under-10s, sponsorship of one of the tees at Sale Golf Club, pitchside hoardings, sponsorship of the Foundation’s newsletter and matchday programme adverts for Altrincham FC.

Giants are in action away to Leeds Force tomorrow night (7.30pm) before hosting Sheffield Sharks on Sunday at 6pm.