LOCAL Vauxhall retailer the Baylis Group has extended its sponsorship of grass roots football in the area by providing brand-new sets of kit to Eastcombe Youth FC.

Eastcombe is a small volunteer-led youth football club which gives many local children the opportunity to play matches, exercise and get fit outside in the fresh air.

It has been running for over 25 years.

The club caters for three age groups: under 9s (seven a side) and under 13s (nine a side) compete in the Mid Glos League, while the under 14s (eleven a side) play their competitive matches in the Stroud Youth League.

Neil Moon, sales manager for Baylis’ Stroud branch, said “The reason we chose Eastcombe was that we are sponsoring Bussage Primary School's Summer Fete, which is tied into a football tournament with surrounding teams and schools.

A lot of the children from Eastcombe attend Bussage Primary, so that is where the link came from.”

The new strip, in Eastcombe’s blue and black colours, features the Baylis name and Vauxhall griffin logo.

Full playing kit has been provided, plus training tops and accessories.

It was first worn by the under 13s in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rodborough.

First success in the new colours came for the under 9 side as they cruised to a 6-1 win at Tuffley Rovers.

Vauxhall currently sponsors Home Nations football from the national teams all the way down to youth sides, thanks to partnerships with its retailer network.

It is working with the FA to encourage players within younger age groups to stick with the sport and create a football habit for life.

Baylis was able to provide the kit free of charge to Eastcombe through their long association with Vauxhall.

The Baylis Group is one of the largest independently run motor groups in the Three Counties, with seven branches including Westward Road, Ebley, Stroud GL5 4TW.

For full details visit www.baylisvauxhall.co.uk