SHOLING under-9s have raised over £1,000 thanks to a novel sponsorship lottery.

Manager Paul Warrilow arranged for local businesses to pay £50 each for entry into a draw.

Saints legend Matt Le Tissier then picked one name out of a hat which will become Sholing’s shirt sponsor for the next two years.

Local building company Oliphant Construction were the business Le Tissier picked out, and they now get a cut-price sponsorship deal.

Warrilow said: “The idea went down better than we expected, and we made around £1,300.

“Talking to other clubs, they have all said what a great idea it was and Matt Le Tissier even tweeted that he thought it was a fantastic idea.

“I’m sure the idea will be copied by other Sholing teams now.”

The under-9s are currently preparing for next season’s Eastleigh & District Mini Soccer League under-10 campaign.