A SCHOOL football team is now much smarter on the pitch thanks to the sponsorship of a Darlington business.

Carmel College’s year seven and eight boys’ football teams have been provided with new kits by Darlington Roofing Contractors.

Business owner Martin Orr, whose 12-year-old son Regan plays for the Carmel team, said he was happy to give something back to the school.

He added: “The last strips were falling off their backs, so after speaking to the PE teacher I offered to get them new ones.

“They are both really good teams, and having 20 kids running round the pitch with our name on their chest is a good thing for us too.”

Carmel College PE teacher Peter Phillips said the players were grateful for the sponsorship.

He said: “We try and make links like this through parents; we had good sponsorship from SG Petch, but that was a number of years ago now and the lads are still wearing those shirts which are dying a death.

“We do have PE kits that they can wear, but they do feel much better when they are wearing a proper kit.

“It motivates them when they step out looking so smart.”