FRINTON and Walton's under-13s girls have received a boost after securing funding from UK Power Networks.

The power company, which delivers electricity to 8.3 million homes and businesses across the East of England, London and the South East, has given the team a much-needed £250 grant as part of its Team Sport Award scheme.

Employee Richard Procter, a project manager in Colchester, whose daughter Lauren plays for the team, applied for the award to enable the squad to buy new training equipment, including pop-up goals, footballs and cones.

“Frinton and Walton were established in 1978 and the girls’ section is growing fast, with my daughter’s team now playing in the Essex County Girls’ League north division," said Richard.

"They won their first games of the new campaign 10-1 and 6-1, so it’s been a great start.

“Each team within the club receives some central funding but then has to look for sponsorship and extra money themselves.

"We have some fantastic kit sponsors but this award has allowed us to purchase other essentials.

“This is the second year my company, UK Power Networks, has supported the team with this award after last year’s money was used to buy hooded training tops for the players and it’s fantastic to have this continued support.”

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

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up.

Last year £18,000 was donated to sporting groups connected to UK Power Networks staff.