ALTRINCHAM FC’s youth programmes have been given a welcome boost by the Altrincham based trailer manufacturer company Cartwright.

New sponsorship from Cartwright to Altrincham FC will cover the costs of an away kit for the youth team, training tops for the development teams, and trips for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Altrincham FC works with more than 700 children and young people - Under 6s to Under 19s - from across the area.

Paul Fay, Head of youth and junior development at Altrincham FC, said: “Cartwright have been very supportive of our club over the years, and with more than 50 teams – each costing around £3,500 a year to run – every penny counts.

“We are delighted to be working with Cartwright and we thank the company for its ongoing support which will help make a difference to our young players.”

Cartwright has previously donated two life-saving defibrillators to the club – one at Longhey playing fields which can host up to 150 players across the fields at any one time, the other a mobile device used for games taking place at schools across the area.

The company’s group managing director Mark Cartwright – an avid football fan - has been associated with the club for the past four years.

He first became involved with the club through his son and two nephews. He has managed teams himself and will continue to coach the under 11’s next year.

Mark Cartwright said: “Altrincham FC is a fantastic facility for aspiring young footballers and over the years has helped the development of thousands of children both on and off the pitch.

“As well as enabling the children to hone their footballing skills it is a community in its own right which has helped forge countless friendships and allowed the children to improve their fitness while increasing their self-confidence and self-esteem.”