A Bury St Edmunds school football team are dressed for success after netting a funding boost from a supportive local company.

Year three and four pupils at Hardwick Primary School have been kitted out for the season by UK Power Networks, a major employer in the town.

Hardwick’s under-9s team received a £250 Team Sport Award from the company that distributes electricity across the East of England.

The money went towards a new sponsored kit with tops bearing UK Power Networks’ logo after employee Richard Fish applied for the funds as his son, Joshua, is a member of the squad.

Richard, a trainee project designer at UK Power Networks, now coaches the team after he initially got involved as a weekend helper.

He said: “I started volunteering in a support role during our Saturday fixtures against other schools, but have now taken on the coaching role, too, which I enjoy doing.

“We do everything we can to develop the players to their potential, but the emphasis is always on enjoyment and making sure everybody feels involved in and part of the team.

“This is the second time we have taken advantage of the Team Sport funding, it’s a wonderful way of helping local community sides and everyone at Hardwick is really grateful for the support.”

The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sporting opportunities.

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. During 2021, 77 teams benefitted from a combined sum of £19,250.