EIGHT months ago there was no such thing as a youth squad at Fareham Town Football Club.

Now, less than a year later, the budding football academy has seen membership rocket from seven to more than 80 players aged below 16.

The youth division is a welcome sight in schools across the borough as dedicated coaches encourage both girls and boys as young as five on to the training pitch.

There is little doubt the grassroots academy is going from strength the strength thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff, parents and willing youngsters.

However, as the youth teams take off so does the cost of buying much-needed equipment so an appeal for sponsorship has been launched to kit out the teams properly.

Because of the popularity of the youth division, coaches John Grove and Phil Houghton-Thomas are hoping to enter eight teams for the first time in the Portsmouth league next season but that means finding cash to afford proper strips and better training equipment.

Mr Houghton-Thomas said: "We have just grown and grown since we began. Originally we thought we could possibly enter a few teams next year but we have got eight teams ready to be entered next season."

In less than a year Saturday morning clubs, after-school sessions, and taking assemblies and PE lessons in Fareham's schools have become regular fixtures and, according to parent helper Tina Callard, vital ones.

Tina, whose son Callum attends the football sessions, said: "It is just brilliant what the club has achieved so far. It is great to see the kids so enthusiastic about something active and positive to do instead of walking the streets.

"We do need some sort of sponsorship to help us pay for decent-quality equipment and any interested company would get great advertising from the 5,000 leaflets we regularly deliver to homes in the area and, of course, on the strips."

Anyone interested in helping the youth division can contact Phil or John on 01329 823487.