A YOUTH football team is to get new kit and training wear following the announcement of a new sponsor.

Leisure World Tiptree has announced it is the new sponsor for Torquespeed FC under 12s Lionesses football team.

The football club, based in Tiptree, is an England-accredited youth football club.

The team will be given the latest kits and training wear by the Colchester Council-run leisure facilities as they sponsor the club's next two seasons.

The club and fully FA-qualified coaches welcome budding football stars from the age of four upwards.

Leisure World plans to look at more ways to support the community in a similar way across a range of sports over the coming years.

Neal Francis, Torquespeed FC club chairman, said: “As a community football club, we are proud to have Leisure World, Tiptree as one of our main sponsors.

“To enable our girls' division of the club to gain a bigger platform with our long-standing partners is incredible and we cannot thank them enough.

“Through the support of Chris Curtis, centre manager Leisure World, and Gary Grosvenor as Lionesses' manager, Torquespeed FC wants to thank you all as we wish the team every success on the pitch as well as a strong, continuing partnership off the pitch.”

Leisure World is run by Colchester Council and is regularly involved in community initiatives.

It works with schools to educate children on water safety, cycling engagement by a British cycling coach and educating schools and groups on the importance of wellbeing and available access to facilities.

Michelle Burrows, Colchester Council's portfolio holder for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “It’s hugely important that grassroots football teams receive sponsors where possible, and with the increase in awareness of football as a sport for everyone following the success of the England Women’s team at the Euros in 2022, I’m delighted we are supporting our very own Lionesses.

“We believe in supporting the community and young people in it in any way we can, particularly when it comes to encouraging them to be active.”