BASINGSTOKE Town under-12 Colts have kicked off the season in fine style in their brand new kit, thanks to a sponsorship deal with leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

The builders behind the new Limes Park development in the town donated more than £1,000 to Basingstoke Town Colts.

The money has paid for 17 match-day kits, in the club’s traditional yellow and blue colours, plus a full set of tracksuit tops, and will be used by the under-12 elite and Sunday sides.

Town manager Simon Bradley said: “We cannot thank Taylor Wimpey enough for this incredibly generous donation.

“Every year or two the players grow out of their old kit and require new shirts, shorts and socks, but it can be very expensive to kit all the players out as the club has 28 teams in total, from tots through to the under-18s.

“Significant sponsorship deals such as this can be very hard to secure, and Taylor Wimpey’s support means the under-12s can now look their very best.”

Emma Jones, associate sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey, said: “When we heard Basingstoke Town Colts were in desperate need of a new strip we were very keen to help them out.

“The club makes a valuable contribution to community life for so many local youngsters, which makes it exactly the sort of organisation that we are only too happy to support.”

The current crop of under-12 players at Basingstoke Town Colts are hoping to repeat the success of last season, which saw them crowned North East Hants Youth Premier League champions and reach the final of the Hampshire Cup and semi-finals of the League Cup.

Town manager Bradley added: “We have some very good players on our books, and recently one of our goalkeepers was picked up by the Swindon Town academy, while another has signed a contract with Fulham.

“While we are delighted with any silverware and recognition our players get, we place huge importance on enjoyment of the game here at the club, which is what football should be all about.”