They're loving it! New kits for the Kings Langley U9s

The Kings Langley FC U9s show off their new kit, donated by local McDonalds franchisee Alan Butchers (right)

The London Road McDonald’s restaurant in Apsley has donated kit to the team, as part of the McDonald’s FA Charter Standard Kit Scheme.

The U9s are benefitting from the new community programme, which runs in partnership with The FA and their official kit supplier Nike.

Together they are giving all 4,600 FA Charter Standard clubs with a junior team in England the chance to order a new strip every year for the next three seasons.

The scheme will distribute more than 250,000 kits nationwide, and aims to help raise the standards of grassroots football for young aspiring footballers.

Local franchisee Alan Butchers owns and operates two restaurants in Apsley and Bourne End. He said: “Grassroots clubs such as Kings Langley Football Club are such an important part of these communities, as they provide the local kids with important footballing opportunities.

“They provide young people with the chance to get involved and feel part of a team. The support of McDonald’s to clubs such as Kings Langley FC enables them to spend money on things like improving team facilities and training more coaches.”

Kings Langley FC is a Standard Charter Club, affiliated to the Hertfordshire FA.

Keith Furniss, manager of the Kings Langley U9s, said: “We’re hugely grateful to McDonald’s for donating a new kit for our U9s team.

“A high quality team strip can cost around £500 per season, so this really is a huge saving for us and means we can spend the money on other areas of the club that need it.”

He continued: “The kids absolutely love wearing their new strip. Having the kit has created fantastic unity within the team and has given the kids extra motivation to train and have a great season.”

The FA’s Director of the National Game and Women’s Football Kelly Simmons added: “McDonald’s has been a long-term advocate of the grassroots game in England. The kit giveaway programme is yet another example of the wonderful work they are doing to support FA Charter Standard clubs.

“The opportunity to turn out in an impressive new Nike kit each season offers yet another incentive for children of all ages to participate in the National Game.”

To find out more about how McDonald’s and The FA support community football, please visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/BetterPlay