GRANT BOOST FOR SANTOS

A LOCAL football club have been awarded a cash bonanza to aid youth development.

Santos AFC, who play in the Lancashire and Cheshire League, have been handed a grant of £3,814 from the Football Foundation to start a soccer school.

The sessions, which get under way on Wednesday, August 5, at Hopwood Hall, are for boys and girls, from the ages of five to seven.

Gareth Smith, Santos’ youth development officer, said: “The funding will allow us to ensure that all coaches gain their level one coaching qualifications.

“It will also mean they receive the necessary child protection, first aid and CRB certificates and also subsidise our training and hire costs, which is a tremendous help in starting this exciting venture.”

Santos are holding an open day on Saturday, July 18 at Clayton playing fields (start 1pm).