Waitrose is sponsoring the Jersey FA’s programme for young girls aged 5 to eleven and funding free football fun nights throughout the season for them as well as free after school coaching sessions at Springfield Stadium this term.

Duncan Langston, director of Waitrose in the Channel Islands, said: After our involvement with this year’s NatWest Island Games, we wanted to put the profits from the sale of Games merchandise back into the sporting community.

“Inspired by one of our own Partners Marta Ascuncao, who was part of the Jersey Women’s Football team who secured a gold medal in the Games, we thought that this would be a great initiative to support.”

Jersey FA Chief Executive Neville Davidson said “This is a fantastic development following on from the success of the Ladies Team in the 2015 NatWest Island Games to give young girls the opportunity to get involved in football.

“Within our Business Plan one of our key objectives is to provide increased opportunities for boys and girls in the 5-11 age range. Through the support of Waitrose we are going to be able to provide free coaching sessions for girls on a regular basis.“

You can find out more about the Waitrose Girl’s Football Development Programme by calling Jersey FA Community Coach Daniel Seviour on 07797 799491 or by emailing him Daniel.Seviour@jerseyfa.com or you can call the Head of Development Brian Oliver on 07797 752215.