A team of young footballers is to get its first proper kit thanks to a donation from an energy company.

The under-7s football team at Parkfield Youth Football Club has been awarded £250 for the kit by UK Power Networks.

The donation was made after employee Mark Allen applied for a grant from the company’s Team Sport Award scheme.

The cash means the boys will get new red, black and white kits to replace the hand-me-downs they are currently using.

Mr Allen, their manager and coach, said: “I’m absolutely delighted – it’s made my day. I only applied on the off-chance so its great news and the team will be really chuffed when I tell them they are getting new kit.”

Mark, a distribution site technician, has worked for the company for 25 years and is based at Hemel Hempstead.

He lives in Harrow and took on the task of running the Parkfield under-7s last year when his son Harry, seven, started playing.

Mark, who is usually joined on the touchline by his wife Jackie and daughter Georgia, 13, said: “It’s quite a challenge as the boys tend to run around like headless chickens but there’s lots of enthusiasm and they are improving.

“We start training again soon and I can’t wait to tell them about their new kit.”

UK Power Networks’ Team Sport Award scheme is designed to encourage staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and development of sporting opportunities.

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up.

Last year nearly £10,000 was donated to sporting groups connected to UK Power Networks staff.